Imphal, February 20, 2010: Concerned over the highly insecure situation prevailing in Manipur, three globally acclaimed dancers including a beauty from Spain, have categorically prayed for ushering in peace and harmony in the state through their performances.
The dance exponents would perform best dance forms on stage tomorrow, the concluding day of the International classical dance festival being hosted by International Society for Krishna Consciousness (ISKCON) Imphal.
Incidentally the four-day long gala event came barely five years after miscreants exploded two hand grenades at Iskcon temple on Janmasthami killing six devotees and injuring over forty including foreigners.
Iskcon director Damodara Swami, who was injured in the bomb attack died after few months at Kolkata.
"Why people have to fight each other.
The need of the hour is peace and peace is the only answer for a calm and harmonious society.
We hope this festival will bring about peace and harmony in Manipur and I will dance with full dedication to bring peace," said Mahima Sandoval, a beauty who was also crowned Miss Guadaljara (Spain).
Sandoval (22) , who is currently undergoing her Master in Business Administration in Spain, will perform Bharatnatyam.
Reacting on the blast at Iskcon temple, Sandoval , whose parents are putting in Mayapur, said they strongly condemned such attacks which caused bloodshed .
Her dance Guru Thankamani Kutty echoed the same disdain against violence.
Sandoval , whose whole family members are Iskcon devotees, also evinced her desire to learn Manipuri dance saying she was inspired by it when a Manipuri cultural troupe presented a spectrum of dance and excellent art forms in her country a few years back.
Tamna Rahaman, who will perform Manipuri dance quipped " I love Manipur culture and I too pray for a calm state .
We want to see love and happiness amongst all people here.
I hope this festival, will spread the message of love and peace".
Another Bharat Natyam exponent Malabika Sen from Kolkata quipped "we pray to God and through dance we hope, we will get peace".
International Society for Krishna Consciousness (ISKCON) Imphal president Ajit Das expressed hope that peace will definitely usher in Manipur with this festival.