Maurya Kala Parisar (MKP), a cultural and social association of people in Kuwait from Indian states of Bihar and Jharkhand, has been celebrating its annual cultural festival christened “Maurya Manch” for the past several years. The infotainment event providing entertainment and inputs on cultural and ethnic traditions of India is eagerly awaited by the community. This year, Maurya Manch 2017, was held at Indian Embassy auditorium on May 5, 2017, which was attended by large number of guests.
Eminent doctor, Rajya Sabha MP and ex-Union Minister Dr. C. P. Thakur was the chief guest at the event. Dr. Thakur, a renowned physician from Bihar, is a gold medalist from Patna Medical College and Fellow of the Royal College of Physicians UK with more than 250 medical publications to his credit. Dr. Thakur, an active medical professional with 5 decades of experience, is considered an authority on treatment of disease “Kala-azar”, and has received several accolades for his contributions to society. He has been the recipient of India’s civilian honor “Padma Shri”, Dr. B. C. Roy Memorial Award by Medical council of India and several other national and international awards. Dr. Thakur has been an active social worker and has represented Patna Lok Sabha constituency for 3 terms.
Maurya Manch 2017 was inaugurated jointly by the chief guest Dr. C. P. Thakur and Mr. Subhashis Goldar, Deputy Chief of Mission, Indian Embassy in Kuwait. Mr. Goldar, in his inaugural address, commended MKP for its laudable role in showcasing the shades of Indian culture in general and Eastern India in particular. Dr. Thakur, in his key note address, was also highly appreciative of events and programs conducted by MKP, particularly the poetry competition for young Indians in Kuwait in memory of noted poet Sri Ramdhari Singh Dinkar.
The almost 3-hour long cultural program presented by MKP family started with playing the national anthems of Kuwait and India. This year, MKP felicitated Kuwait based Indian litterateurs Dr Arvind Raina, Dr Navnit Gandhi, Mr. Amir Diwan and Ms Nazneen Ali. Noted poet Mr. Afroz Alam, who happens to be the Vice-President of MKP, was also felicitated for his contribution to literature. Two of the MKP members, Mr. Shakir Raza Khan and Ms. Divya Ritwik, were also honored for their distinguished contribution to Maurya activities.
Maurya children Avika Sinha, Raunak Deo, Harsh Ranjan, Syed Shayaan Hoda, Eman Adbul Hamid Nakhwa, Elham Abdul Hamid Nakhwa, Ebrahim Abdul Hamid Nakhwa, Umang, Sanjeevani Rai, Mohd.Shazaibhussain Ansari, Rudrakshi Rai, Astha Bhardwaj, Daksha Mrinal, Bhavya Sweta Mrinal, Adeeba Taqui Hasan, Naaillah Hasan, Shubhangi Rai, were awarded for achievement in academics and extra-curricular activities.
The cultural jamboree started with Vandana sung by Ms. Shweta Shruti followed by a magnificent Bharat Natyam performance by Ms. Shreyashi. Carrying on its ethos of promoting the splendid past of Bihar, a presentation titled “Bihar ki Aitihasik Yatra”, conceptualized and choreographed by Ms. Sujata Kashyap, was staged by Mr. Sabir Ansari, Mr. Neeraj Kumar, Mr. Intekhab, Mr. Syed Shabih, Mr. Sujeet Sinha and Mr. Ramesh Kumar. Audiences were mesmerized by the sweet and soulful melodies sung by Mr. Abdul Hamid Nakhwa, Ms. Radhika Mishra, Ms. Shweta Shruti and Mr. Prabhu Nath Sah. Special attractions of the event were Magahi and Maithili Anchalik songs sung by Mr. Rakesh Mishra and Mr. Nitin Prabhakar, duet sung by two ladies Ms. Radhika and Ms. Shweta and comedy song rendition by Mr. Rakesh and Mr. Prabhunath. Motley groups of kids including Avani, Avika, Shahana, Sanjeevani and Unaiba in one group; Abhigyan, Adi, Bhavya, Daksha, Krish, Samantha, Shivi and Umang in the second and Aastha, Chahek, Kashish, Fahad, Shahzaib and Swayam in the third group performed well synchronized dances on popular Bollywood songs. Dance performance by two young sisters Elham and Eman was much admired by the audience. The artful dance performance by Maurya ladies including Nivedita, Shruti, Supriya, Shweta and Shraddha on a medley of songs stole the show. A lively skit directed by Mr. Supriya Ritwik and staged by Devesh, Pinky, Anita and Neha highlighting the travails of a wannabe groom drew huge applause.
Two winners from MKP’s poetry recitation competition held earlier during the year, Batul and Sanskar, recited poems from Dinkar in their electrifying style. A rapid fire quiz conducted by Syed Sabih and Afsar Alam Khan engaged the viewers. The event had a raffle draw at the end conducted by Mithilesh and Vivek with interesting prizes.
The event also had a painting competition for Maurya kids showcasing the grandeur of Bihar and Jharkhand. Several adorable paintings by young contributors were on display at the auditorium. Paintings by Rudrakshi, Swayam and Kashish were chosen for prizes by the judges.
Spotlight of the event was smooth and gripping anchoring by Rudrakshi and Fahad, two young MKPians. The MKP President extended vote of thanks at the end of the event.
The event could materialize due to the active support of sponsors including M/s Yasin International, Al Hanan Contracting Co, Raja Company, Ajwan International Co, Caesar’s Travels, Health Planet, LIC International, PanMedica, Rezayat Trading, SGS Kuwait and SAH International.
The successful event was a culmination of sincere contribution put in for months by all MKP members including Advisory Members – S. Ritwik, Shailesh Mishra, Shakir Raza Khan, S.M. Arshad Wali and Varun Sinha; Office Bearers – President, Abhay Kumar Kashyap (General Secretary), Afroz Alam (Vice President), Vivek Prasad Sinha (Treasurer), Ramesh Kumar (Joint Secretary) & Sabir Ansari (Special Secretary); Executive Committee Members – Abdul Hamid Nakhwa, Afsar Alam Khan, Mohd. Mahtabuzzaman, Mithilesh Kumar, Nitin Prabhakar, Syed Shabih, Shahnawaz Baig, Shruti Katyar, Sujeet Kumar Sinha and Zafar Kamal Siddiqui; Organizing Committee & Supports from Bushra Sabir, Devesh Kumar, Manoj Mishra, Mukesh Mrinal, Neelika Raza Khan, Neeraj Kumar, Neeraj Ranjan, Nivedita Sinha, Pallavi Singh, Pinky Sinha, Radhika Mishra, Sana Nakhwa, Shailesh Mishra, Sujata Kashyap, Supriya Singh, Supriya Sinha, Shweta Shruti and Uday Prakash.
In the past 22 years, MKP has strived to promote arts, culture and heritage of Bihar and Jharkhand region through events and activities of interest to Indian community in Kuwait and vows to continue its efforts in years to come with the support of community and members.