A five-day Value-Added Course titled “Traditions of Indian Music and Dance” commenced at the Department of Performing Arts, Swami Vivekananda Subharti University. Conducted under the framework of Indian Knowledge Traditions, the course focused on the subject of “Rare *Bandishes* (Compositions) of Kathak Dance and Their *Nikas* (Execution).” Serving as the Guru for the course was the renowned Kathak danseuse and Sangeet Natak Akademi awardee, Guru Rajashree Shirke, who had traveled from Mumbai to impart the intricate nuances of Kathak dance. The program was inaugurated with the ceremonial lighting of a lamp before the idol of Goddess Saraswati. Subsequently, the Dean of the Faculty of Fine Arts and Head of the Department of Performing Arts, Professor Bhavna Grover, formally welcomed Guru Rajashree Shirke by presenting her with a sapling and a traditional *Angavastram* (honorary stole). The celebrated Pakhawaj artist, Shri Aniruddha Shirke—who had also arrived from Mumbai—was similarly welcomed with the presentation of a sapling. The Dean of the Faculty of Fine Arts, Professor Pintu Mishra, along with Dr. Bhavna Grover, extended their best wishes to both the visiting students and all the students of the Department of Performing Arts. On the first day of the course, Guru Rajashree Shirke provided an introduction to the subject of rare *Bandishes*. She explained how great Kathak Gurus have composed numerous beautiful *Bandishes* inspired by various aspects of nature. Throughout the five-day course, students received instruction in *Bandishes* set in *Mishra Jati*, *Khanda Jati*, and *Chatusra Jati* *Taals* (rhythmic cycles), as well as the *Ganesh Vandana* (invocation to Lord Ganesha) titled “Gajanan Bhuta Ganadi Sevitam”—all of which were rooted entirely in traditional Kathak dance. On the fifth and final day of the course, the students presented all the *Bandishes* they had learned; subsequently, certificates for the “Traditions of Indian Music and Dance” Value-Added Course were awarded to all participants, complete with grading. During the concluding session of the program, the University’s Chief Executive Officer, Professor Shalya Raj, witnessed the students’ presentation of the learned *Bandishes*. The students had mastered these compositions with great dedication and diligence, and they executed their performance in an exceptionally beautiful manner. Following the presentation, all the students who had participated in the five-day Value-Added Course… The grades for the certificate course in ‘Traditions of Indian Music and Dance’ have been finalized and recorded. During the concluding session, Chief Executive Officer Dr. Shalya Raj—while extending his congratulations to the Dean of the Faculty of Fine Arts, Professor Pintu Mishra; the Head of the Department, Dr. Bhavna Grover; and all members of the Department of Performing Arts—stated that such courses serve to connect our students with the Indian knowledge tradition. He emphasized that fostering a connection with these traditions is of paramount importance for today’s youth, enabling them to learn about and carry forward our rich cultural heritage. The smooth and successful conduct of the course was made possible through the collaborative efforts of all department members: Dr. Shweta Chaudhary, Dr. Deepak Singh, Ms. Shweta Singh, Ms. Nishi Chauhan, Dr. Amrita Joshi, Fardeen Hussain, Meraj Khan, and Akshay Sharma.
