A Dance for a Cause, Raising Funds for Children’s Education
3 min readNew Delhi, November 2024: The much-anticipated premiere of Yagyaseni: Born of Fire, a captivating Kathak dance performance by 22-year-old Poorvi Singh, took place at Epicenter, Gurugram. This remarkable event not only showcased a sentient portrayal of Draupadi’s journey through classical dance but also successfully raised vital funds to support the education of underserved children at the Lotus Petal Foundation. While celebrating rich cultural heritage, the initiative aims to uplift underprivileged children by channeling the proceeds toward providing quality education, skill development, and proper nutrition. The Lotus Petal Foundation is dedicated to transforming the lives of these children through comprehensive programs that focus on education and holistic well-being, ensuring that they have the necessary resources to thrive and succeed.
The performance was a beautiful fusion of rhythm, grace, and portrayed meaningful lessons from Bhagavad Gita. The dance showcased the resilience, justice, and strength of Draupadi. Yagyaseni embodied the trials and triumphs of the legendary character Draupadi, resonating deeply with the contemporary challenges faced by women in today’s world. This beautiful analogy captured the heart and soul of the audience.
The event was graced by distinguished guests, including Padma Shri Nalini Asthana, Padma Shri Kamalani Asthana and the Chief Guest of Honor, Ms. Mahasweta Ghosh, a fitness enthusiast and marketeer par excellence. Reflecting on the emotional impact of the performance, Ms. Ghosh shared, “This was not just a performance, but an honest portrayal of women’s trials and tribulations. Reflecting on my own journey with fitness and running, I could see the deep connection between the themes presented and my own life.”
The event also saw a heartfelt address by Mr. Kushal Raj Chakravorty, Founder of Lotus Petal Foundation, who expressed his gratitude for Poorvi Singh’s unwavering dedication to using the arts as a means of social change. He stated, “It’s inspiring to see how her art brings attention to the cause of education, and we are grateful to be part of this meaningful journey.”
Founded in 2011, Lotus Petal Foundation runs the Lotus Petal Senior Secondary School, serving 2,000 students, and has over 375+ alumni working in leading organizations or pursuing higher studies. The Foundation aims to expand the school to 10,000 students, with the vision of becoming India’s largest philanthropic school.
Poorvi Singh, who has long been committed to using her art to create positive change, expressed her gratitude for the support received. “To have my work contribute to a cause so close to my heart is truly fulfilling,” she said. “I hope Yagyaseni can inspire others to reflect on their own inner strength and, at the same time, open doors for children to dream bigger and achieve more through education.”
The success of Yagyaseni – Born of Fire marks a significant moment in the broader cultural and philanthropic landscape, showcasing the power of the arts in making a real-world impact.