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Guru Dr. Maya Rao performs at G-Quasar 2013 The very first day of Galgotias University's Unifest ‘G-Quasar 2013’ accelerated from the zero to infinity within a short time since its inauguration, overcoming the inertia of stagnation. Unlike most events where the ‘first day’ is all about getting started with , G Quasar's Day 1 was all about energy from the very beginning, and why would it not be ? With the day 1 coinciding with Womens’ Day, it wasn't just about promoting a ‘fest’, it was about supporting a ‘cause’.
The plethora of events that dazzled the audience had their very beginning with internationally reputed Dancer, Choreographer, Teacher, Writer, Academician & Dance Curator, Dr Maya Rao's enthralling solo performance, which was followed by an encouraging session where students/faculty members/esteemed attendees were allowed to seek honest answers that were closely related to the roots of the environment we live in. Dr. Rao answered questions related to women's safety and questions related to the unfortunate case of December 16 gang rape, urging the society to wake up and take responsibility of their own safety. She specially urged the young attendees to respect, protect and understand their responsibilities towards women empowerment and safety. Dr. Rao is the recipient of several awards including the National Award (President of India Award) for Choreography, the Karnataka State Award, the prestigious Shantala Award from the Govt. of Karnataka, the Emeritus Fellowship from the H.R.D. Govt. of India and an honorary doctorate from Bangalore University. Dr. Rao has aslo led cultural delegations to over 30 countries, creating awareness and sharing the rich dance heritage of India worldwide. Padmasri Shri Shambu Maharaj of the Lucknow Gharana and Shri Sunderprasad of the Jaipur Gharana were her Kathak Gurus. Her solo recitals and dance dramas imbibed both the styles, winning much acclaim in India and Overseas. Dr. Rao has earned her Post Graduate certificate in Choreography from the former USSR. She is a consultant choreographer and a Jury member for international projects regularly. She runs India's only degree college of choreography- The Natya Institute of Kathak and Choreography. Maya Rao was made the Chairperson of the Karnataka State Sangeet Nritya Academy (1987 – 1990) during which period she initiated National Performing Arts Festivals at Heritage Monuments – Somanathapura (1988), Pattadakkal (1989) and Halebid (1990).
Galgotians at the Dance Marathon at Blue Frog organised by Rotaract Club Southend Generation Next