Kathak and Folk Street Performers in Blue Economy G-20 Lucknow presented Yamuna Astakam

Lucknow : The G-20 is focused on the Blue Economy and maintaining clean water systems, and rivers flow into the ocean. On the 15th of February, Dr. Navina Jafa, a Specialist on Cultural Skills and Heritage, a Kathak Dancer, and a Consultant on Heritage Tourism, performed ‘Yamuna Astakam’ at a Farewell Dinner honouring the G-20 High-Level Committee in Lucknow, Uttar Pradesh.

Incorporating the G-20’s focus on water and environmental sustainability as well as its commitment to fighting global poverty made for an exciting production. Community-based performing arts are an important part of India’s rich cultural heritage. But they are losing their abilities and don’t know where to turn for help. Our country is losing a valuable resource: our collective history and expertise. Developing their capabilities and coming up with new ideas are essential for them to join the global marketplace. Navina Jafa claims she attempted this by combining classical Kathak dancers with street and folk performers.

The goals of the G-20 presidency were brought to life in a spectacular half-hour production featuring Jafa dancing Yamuna to music and choreography by Pandit Ji Kishan Maharaj, son of legendary Padma Vibhushan Pandit Birju Maharaj.

Shri Adityanath Yogi, the Chief Minister of Uttar Pradesh, has called for his government to foster diversity so that young people and other stakeholders can better comprehend global issues. ‘Vasudhaiv Kutumbakam,’ he has said, ‘the world is one big happy family. For this reason, the Yamuna Ashtakam (a poem by Adi Shankaracharya) was a once-in-a-lifetime event, as it featured snake-charmers led by Mahipal and a street magician named Junnaid Shah celebrating Krishna’s victory over the Kaliya serpent, a symbol of pollution, and thus the purification of the Yamuna. To raise awareness of Water and Environment protection and unique ways to create sustainability innovations for the Skilled performing art communities, the Jafa production needs to be shown in various parts of India and on international platforms.