Chitresh Das Institute Announces Award
The Chitresh Das Institute announced its Seva Award for 2023 to India Currents, with an announcement that read:
“We are thrilled to announce that the 2023 ARTS SEVA AWARD will be awarded to INDIA CURRENTS MAGAZINE. The Arts Seva Award is bestowed annually by the Chitresh Das Institute to a person or organization who has contributed significantly to the advancement of the arts.
We will be honoring India Currents at the performances of “Invoking the River” and “13 Matra” in San Francisco at @odcsf Theater Sept 20-Oct 1 and in San Jose at the Hammer Theater on October 8. Keep an eye out for more posts highlighting India Currents’ amazing team and work.”
The Chitresh Das Institute
Bay Area’s Chitresh Das Institute (CDI) is a dance company that presents traditional and innovative kathak and Indian classical arts, with a commitment to community, legacy, and seva (service). It is dedicated to preserving the deepest of the Kathak tradition—the traditional solo—while simultaneously constantly pushing the envelope of the art form through innovative works and collaborations.
The Institute is part of the rich legacy of Pandit Chitresh Das, a master and virtuosic performer of the classical Kathak tradition. CDI was co-founded in 2016 by Artistic Director Charlotte Moraga, Celine Schein Das, the former Executive Director of the Chhandam Chitresh Das Dance Company and Pandit Das’ widow, and Preeti Zalavadia, who taught under Pandit Das for over ten years and led his school’s largest branch.
Apart from producing large annual and smaller productions, the Institute offers Bay Area residents classes in Kathak from beginning to professional as well as music, cultural context, history, philosophy, and spiritual understanding. Committed to maintaining the highest standard and tradition, CDI believes in doing performances that build community and greater awareness.