Pics: Abhijith N Kolpe
Daijiworld Media Network - Mangaluru (ANK)

Mangaluru, Apr 2: Bishop of Mangaluru diocese Dr Aloysius Paul D'Souza inaugurated 'Kristha Patha', a unique Bharatanatyam repertoire based on Biblical themes of faith, hope and love shown by Jesus Christ himself to mankind, performed with grace and poise by Ruth Prithika Maben here at Town Hall on Sunday, April 1.

Addressing the gathering, Bishop Dr Aloysius Paul D'Souza said, "The birth, death and resurrection of Jesus, is the greatest event in the history of mankind, which is being depicted by Ruth Prithika through Bharatanatyam. I would like to congratulate her on 'Kristha Patha'.

"Christianity in India has faced criticism for not being enough ‘Indian’. But today, with Ruth Prithika’s performance, I feel that the critics have been answered to some extent. I also congratulate the parents of Ruth Prithika on encouraging her since the tender age of five. She has been an inspiration for all,” he said.

The repertoire performed by Ruth Prithika was Pushpanjali which is offered to almighty God for his creations, Varnam which depicts the life and mission of Christ, Padam, the story of Jesus and Samaritan woman, Keertanam, the cross which is the greatest gift of Jesus Christ to mankind and Tillana, the resurrection. Ruth mesmerised the audience with her brilliant performance, embodying perfectly the spirit of the festival and the nuances of the traditional form.

About Ruth Prithika

Ruth Prithika, daughter of Dr Roshan Maben and Dr E V S Maben is currently pursuing computer science engineering at NMAMIT, Nitte. She has been learning this divine form of art since the age of five. She has successfully completed her vidwath exam in Bharatanatyam and junior grade in carnatic music. She has performed with Gaana Nrithya Academy at various stages in and around the country. She has also performed at Doordarshan Studio in Delhi for Prasar Bharathi during ABU dance festival held in 2016. She has won various awards in several classical and solo dance competitions held at district, state and national level. She has received training in Kathak and Odissi dance forms through the workshops organised by the academy.

Bishop emeritus CSI Karnataka southern diocese Dr C L Furtado, senior art critic Udupi Vid Prathibha Samaga, guru of Ruth Prathika Vidyashree Radhakrishna, and parents of Ruth Prithika Dr Roshan Maben and Dr E V S Maben were present.