Nehru Centre and Kalapi Centre for Performing Arts presented the dance drama ”The Eternal Flame” on the final day of three days Ballet Festival at their auditorium in Worli on 23^rd January 2025.

Portraying the profound philosophy of Swami Vivekenanda, the dance drama combined the primary elements of the performing art – information, entertainment and enlightenment with the fine usage of music, dances, visuals and the drama that featured the significant life of the great saint, creating a lasting impact on the audience.

After the lapse of 160 years, Swami Vivekenanda, who left this physical world at the young age of 39, 1902, its interesting and relevant to mention here that his profound philosophy pertaining to the varied aspects of life and well being, still relates intensely to the contemporary society of the world. All Religions Lead To the Same Goal, Every Soul is Potentially Divine, Arise Awake and Stop Not Till the Goal is Reached, summarises the core of his profound philosophy pertaining to religion, life and the youth.

As a young child Narendranath, fondly called Narendra, was the son of Biswanath and Bhubaneshwari Dutta, mischievous, courageous and dared to do anything which children of his age would be hesitant but he had a spiritual inclination and was quite fascinated by the varied aspects of nature and used to ponder over the mysterious aspect of life but his life changed as he became the disciple of Swami Ramakrishna that lead to his spiritual awakening and enlightenment. He travelled extensively and his thought provoking speech at Parliament of World Religions in Chicago was one of the best speeches, spoken by any saint. He said that Hinduism was the mother of all religions with the idea of tolerance of universal acceptance with the equilibrium of the mind, body and spirit and that every soul is potentially divine.

Choreographed and directed by the renowned Kathak exponent and mentor, Guru Keka Sinha, music by Pradipto Sengupta. The Eternal Flame, succeeds in establishing the philosophy of Swami Vivekenanda that covers the complete spectrum of the life with the usage of Kathak, folk dances and creative movements, according to the requirement of the scenes. Keka rendered a solo number in the expressional number Mujhevari Banwari Saiya Jano Ko De and in another number Prabhu Mere Avgun Chit Na Daro, Keka was supported by her senior disciple Somangka Bhattacharya who danced extremely well along with her disciples. Ankur Balal was seen in different scenes and performed extremely well.

The role of Swami Ramakrishna was enacted Sandip Pawar and role of Swami Vivekananda was enacted Arindam Roy. The powerful speech of Swami Viveknanda was rendered by Kollol da Commendable singers were Shurjo Bhatacharya and Vaibhav Mankad. With better synchronisation and some editing, The Eternal Flame will definitely have a greater impact. The compere for the evening was Abira Sinha.

By Guru Vijay Shankar