The fusion of Sangeet-Nritya Mahotsava and Regional Bible Festival is the Susamvad Mahotsava celebrated as culmination of the Regional Bible Festival at Nav Sadhana Regional Pastoral Centre, Varanasi from Nov.7 to 9, 2014. It is the joyful event in the life of youths of Agra Ecclesiastical Region. The theme chosen for this festival was THE LORD JESUS CAME TO GIVE LIFE, LOVE AND LIGHT IN ABUNDANCE (cf. Mk 10:45; Jn 10:10). Dr.Fr.V.Sebastian, Director of Nav Sadhana, was the main celebrant of the Holy Eucharist to invoke God’s blessing on the participants of competitions based on the Gospel According to Mark, which was held on Nov.7, 2014. In his homily he inspired the youths of the Region with practical life example stating that sincerity, honesty, integrity, faith and fidelity are required in life to bear witness to God in little things, which makes one responsible and reliable in greater things. Jesus says, “Whoever is faithful in a very little is faithful also in much; and whoever is dishonest in a very little is dishonest also in much.” (Lk. 16:10). The competition on classical and folk dances, singing, speech, miming, painting and drawing, quiz etc. was inaugurated by Rev.Dr.V.Sebastian, in the presence of Five Directors of Biblical Apostolate from the diocese of Agra, Allahabad, Gorakhpur, Jhansi and Varanasi. There were 165 youths of the region to participate in the various competitions. The winners were awarded prizes.
The celebration was concluded with the colourful cultural evening on Nov. 9, 2014, for which the Chief Guest was Most Rev.Dr. Raphy Manjaly, Bishop of Allahabad and Chairman of Nav Sadhana; The Guest of Honour was Dr. K.N. Bhatt, Professor, G.B. Pant Social Science Institute, Jhusi, Allahabad. In his speech, the Chief Guest enlightened the audience that “In the beginning was the Word (God-Jesus), the Word was with God and the Word was God. (Jn 1:1); the Word became flesh and dwelt among us (Jn 1:14). Now He wants to dwell in our heart. We, humans, need to become walking Word of God (the Bible) to give life, love and light to others. Prof. K.N.Bhatt expressed his gratitude for having called him for the function and appreciated the director and his team for maintaining green and clean campus. He also stated that Music is divine; it brings communion with God; it gives peace and joy to life. He highly lauded the efforts of Nav Sadhana to preserve and promote the Indian art and culture through Indian classical and folk dances and Music. The champion’s trophy went to Agra Archdiocese. The celebration concluded with ambrosian dinner. The Directors of Biblical Apostolate and youths from the five dioceses expressed their gratitude to the Director and staff of Nav Sadhana for their comfortable stay and meticulous planning and systematic execution of the whole programme as well as for the friendly evaluation and clarification.
Somya Lohia wrote in the Hindustan Times News Paper that “The Presentation of a dance drama in Bharatnatyam steps enthralled city folks at the event ‘Susamvad Mahotsava’ organized by Nav Sadhana. The programme continued with several group and solo classical dance performances by the students. Perfect coordination of steps along with emotional and intelligent choreography compelled the audience to tap its feet to the tunes. Captivating vocal performance by a group of students in consonance with Swaraj on harmonium and Guru Jaydev Mukherjee on the tabor (tabla) was much appreciated.”
