Shanti Ravi
Auckland, September 16, 2024
As most Indians know, the opening of the Temple of Lord Rama (an Avatar of Lord Vishnu, the Protector of the Universe) in Ayodhya, a small town in the North Indian State of Uttar Pradesh on January 22, 2024 marked a significant event for Hindus in general and the devotees of Lord Ram in particular.
Ayodhya is often referred to as Rama Janmabhoomi, the Birthplace of the Lord and the Temple (with Balak Ram as the Main Deity) makes the City one of the Seven Most Sacred Cities (Sapta Puri) in Bharat (India).
A tribute to Lord Rama
As a tribute to Lord Sri Rama and Ayodhya, Auckland-based Anuradha’s School of Indian Dances is presenting Ayodhya Rama, a dance drama to raise funds for the Temple of Lord Sri Venkateshwara (a Manifestation of Lord Vishnu) in the South Auckland suburb of Ramarama (a happy augury!). This show is scheduled for Saturday 26th October 2024 at Dorothy Winstone Theatre, located at 16 Howe, Street, Freeman’s Bay, Auckland.
Abhishek Ravi, a senior disciple of Anuradha Ramkumar, will play the lead role of Lord Rama.
The holiness of Ayodhya and the wisdom of Lord Rama represent a profound connection with spirituality, culture, and history in the Hindu tradition. The story of Lord Rama and Ayodhya has influenced art, literature, and culture across South Asia.
Ramayana, one of the greatest epics of India, has been retold and adapted in various forms, including dance, theatre, and television, making the tale of Lord Sri Rama and Ayodhya a significant cultural legacy.
Many of us have a deep desire to visit Ayodhya and Tirupati (the abode of Lord Venkateshwara) during visits to our Motherland.
But most of us cannot make it due to limited time and resources while in India.
One of the most fulfilling ways to manifest our wishes is to part take in initiatives like this, such as donating to the Temple construction as a homage to the Lord, sponsoring the production as a form of worship and purchasing tickets to witness his Divine Presence.
Anuradha’s School of Indian Dances has always been a hub for cultural preservation with its students passing the age-old classical dance forms to the next cohort.
Hindu Temples also serve as cultural hubs, preserving and promoting traditional practices, festivals, arts, and music. Hence the motive to come forward to do this fundraiser show and raise funds for the temple construction purposes.
Promoting the ecosystem
Supporting the construction of Sri Venkateshwara Temple is not just about preserving a religious site but also about encompassing a complex ecosystem that includes spirituality, culture, education, social welfare, and encouraging philanthropy. By supporting this venture, we are also showcasing a culture of giving and encouraging others to do the same. It is a way of inspiring collective action and generosity for a greater cause.
Every effort and every contribution towards this noble initiative will reap the rewards in future and our culture will be placed in the hands of the next generation to take it forward. Hence, we request everyone to sponsor and donate to this fundraiser show which will eventually benefit the wider community through building connections, strengthening bonds, fostering belonging, raising awareness, aiding spiritual growth and most importantly upholding Sanatana Dharma.
A Sold-Out Show
It is heartwarming to announce that it is a sold-out show, less than three weeks after tickets were made available. It is the Lord’s Grace, and the sell-out show is seen as a good omen of expressing gratitude and blessing for the event. It also implies a Divine Favour and an Unearned Gift from the Lord. It also reflects the tremendous support of the community.
Anuradha’s School of Indian Dances has established a very high benchmark in presenting shows for over 27 years in Auckland.
Our Editor adds:
About Abhishek Ravi
Abhishek Ravi, a senior disciple of Anuradha (known to her family and friends as Anu) Ramkumar, who will be performing the title role, is known for his versatility and exceptional execution of Nritha (mastery of rhythm and technique) and Natya (storytelling through expressive dance). We have seen this young man grow, honing his immense talent in various dance formats, with the potential to be an international artist.
Presenting his Arangetram under Anu when he was 13, he pursued Western dance disciplines with the same fervour and graduated from Brent Street Performing Arts Centre, Sydney gaining proficiency in Jazz, Contemporary and Hip Hop. Abhishek embraces these two worlds in his trajectory as an artist.
Current role is ‘Elite male dancer’ for Royal Caribbean Cruise – ‘Ovation of the Seas’ vessel, after a successful four rounds of auditions at the 2023 Australian Dance Festival in the direct presence of the Head of Royal Caribbean Cruise entertainment office. He is now sailing in Sydney, New Zealand, Vanuatu, Honolulu, Alaska, and Canada doing shows. *Live Love Legs* (Vegas-style dancing) & *The Beautiful Dream* (Broadway-style musical) with lead roles in both productions.
This contract concludes on October 4, 2024. He is back in Sydney on October 6, 2024, and then to Auckland on October 11, 2024, to perform in Ayodhya Rama.
In addition, he is selected by the Royal Caribbean office for a second contract on the ‘Spectrum of the Seas’ vessel. Will be travelling to Japan, China and South Korea to perform in two world-class shows. The contract is from January to December 2025
Some of Abhishek’s accolades include (1) Hip Hop International Bronze Medal under Identity Dance Company, Auckland (2) Academic Excellence award from Brent Street Performing Arts Centre, Sydney (3) First place in the Choreography Category at Bharat Natyam Competition, Cleveland, USA (4) Winner of the Dance Reality show on TV3 ‘The Great New Zealand Dance Masala (5) Winner of ‘Hope’ Award by Puketapapa Local Youth Board (6) Handled the roles of Deputy Head Boy, Mentor, Counsellor and Body Image leader for Mt Roskill Grammar School (7) Youth MP under Michael Wood and represented Mt Roskill Electorate at the Youth Parliament in July 2022.
