I attended the RASA Day on February 21, 2024. I was able to interact with many people and enjoyed watching the show as my part had already been recorded. I enjoy the live performance but it is also fun to be able to relax and enjoy the show.
About Bharatambe
Written and directed by Dr. Ambika Kameshwar, “Bharatambe!” offers a journey through India’s national symbols, interwoven with stories of revered saints like Neem Karoli Baba, Bhagavan Sri Ramana Maharshi, Guru Nanak, Padmapadacharya , Swami Narayanan, and others. Dr. Ambika Kameshwar, also the composer, has crafted a rich musical score to accompany the performances.
Before the Event
Before the event, my mom and I had to choose the attire. I chose a kurta that my mama had bought from Gujarat, and my mom decided to wear a green sari. I also went to an upanayanam before I went to the performance. I chose a gold tint-shirt with a cream coloured veshti for the upanayanam.
On the Day of the Event
Getting Ready
After the upanayanam, my mother and I got ready. My aunt also came with me for the program.
When we were just about to leave for the event, Ambika akka called amma and told her to present about my experience with RASA.
Before the event
When we went for the event, we had to take an Uber because our regular auto driver was sick.
When I arrived at Narada Gana Sabha, I met Ms. Rupa Hemanth, Center Head of RASA Aadharan. She said that someday I could also perform with her group in RASA Bangalore. I met Rupa akka in the Narada Gana Sabha canteen. She ordered some tea for me and amma. She asked me whether I wanted a cutlet, and I said no because I was not hungry.
After talking with Rupa akka, I went backstage to briefly say hello to the RASA students. Since amma had to rehearse what she had to say before the performance, I went with my aunt to meet people.
There were tents set up backstage so that students could hang out. They were waiting there for the makeup and for their turn to perform. I met one of Ujwal anna’s students from Bangalore (Anjana akka).
Once I entered the auditorium, I met Ambika akka, Poorna akka, and Kameshwar mama. I told Kameshwar mama that I enjoyed his narration on Ganapathi Muni.
Attending the event
I enjoyed the event and watched the different schools perform. I enjoyed the performance and enjoyed watching students like Rashmi, Janani, Guru, and Bharat. I had performed with them in other productions. Bharat and Rashmi were peacocks whereas Guru was a snake. When I attended the event, I saw myself acting as Ganapati Muni.
After the event
After the program was over, Sweta (my second cousin) and her fiancée came to meet me at Narada Gana Saba. I was excited to meet Swetha’s fiancé for the first time. I got out of the hall and met them near the canteen.
Continuing the Journey
After the program was over, I came to Bangalore the next day. I came to Ujwal anna’s class straight from the airport. Then, I finished my blog. I had a class with Usha akka where I talked about my experiences in Chennai. Then I had a class with Usha akka where we talked about my RASA day experience.
What I learned from RASA Day 2024
I learned many new skills and practiced familiar skills. I learned how to lip sync which I have never done before. This was also my first experience of a dramatic monologue. I learned how to coordinate with the music and camera while following Ambika akka’s directions.
I also prepared for this RASA Day very quickly. I have learned how to listen to relaxing chants and work for longer periods.
Parent Note
Ananth and I enjoyed our RASA Day experience. When we go for RASA performances, we are able to interact with many people. Over the last few years, we have met many of the staff members, students, and their parents. We look forward to RASA events because they provide many opportunities for social interactions in addition to watching performances. One of the unexpected outcomes of Ananth’s TAHD/RASA experiences is Ananth’s increasing interest in attire. He is curious about attire for different occasions, cultural differences, and many other issues. Hence, he wrote about attire in his post too!