Imagine a world where distractions do not affect us, and our mind takes center stage to explore its full potential. This is the domain of Avadhānakalā, a treasured Indian tradition and a unique art form involving intellect, profound memory, and exalted consciousness, that has quietly persisted through the ages, nurturing the extraordinary cognitive abilities within us. The stage for this profound exploration was set in the holy land of Tirupati, Andhra Pradesh, The “Avadhāna Saṅgama: Cultivating Cognitive Mastery” conference was hosted at the National Sanskrit University from September 11th to 14th, 2023, as a part of the research project titled “Avadhanakala and Consciousness Studies” granted by the IKS Division of the Ministry of Education, Government of India to the Centre for Human Sciences, Rishihood University. This conference rekindled the flames of this extraordinary art form, inviting the world to discover its hidden gems.
Rediscovering Avadhānakalā
In today’s world of technology and gadgets, where information overload and distractions are the norm, Avadhānakalā as an art form provides us with a beacon of hope. This extended Indian tradition focuses on nurturing the human mind’s capacity for multiple concentrations, sharpening our attention, creativity, focus, and memory. The conference served as a platform to celebrate, showcase, and breathe new life into this remarkable art form and its performers, known as Avadhānīs.
The Multifaceted World of Avadhānakalā
The Avadhāna Saṅgama conference encompassed a wide array of technicalities associated with Avadhānakalā, each revealing a facet of the art’s profound capabilities. From Chitravadhanam (painting) to Ganitavadhanam (mathematics), Ghantavadhanam (gongs and bells) to Netravadhanam (eye movements), Nrityavadhanam (dance) to Sahityavadhanam (literature), and Talavadhanam (music) – the event showcased the astonishing range of talents that Avadhānīs possess.
Beyond these, there were also mesmerizing performances in Bhagwad Gitavadhanam, Amarkoshavadhanam, Yogasutravadhanam, and Sangeet Gyeya Dhara. The Avadhānīs gracefully performed these diverse domains, continuously refining their memory, concentration, creativity, and their ability to manage multiple challenges simultaneously.
A Journey Through the Conference
The Avadhāna Saṅgama conference was not a mere intellectual exercise but a deeply immersive experience. The participants got the opportunity to engage with the Avadhānīs through experiential, dialectic, and performance-based interactions. The focus was on experiencing Avadhānakalā on a profound and personal level, rather than just understanding it intellectually. Furthermore, the conference aimed to kindle the curiosity of the younger generation by presenting awe-inspiring performances and facilitating interactions with the Avadhānīs.
Ghanṭavadhanam and Netravadhanam: The Mesmerizing Performances
Among the highlights of the conference was a spellbinding demonstration of Ghaṇṭāvadhānam by the gifted duo, Bulusu Aparna and Udayachandrika. Their performance transcended language, taking a sentence like “नमो नमस्ते – namo namaste” and conveying it solely through sounds created using a plate and spoon. Aparna listened attentively and then accurately reproduced the sentence based on these unique sounds. This extraordinary feat showcased their prowess in languages such as Sanskrit, Tamil, Kannada, Telugu, Odia, Hindi, and English.
In a similarly mesmerizing display, Netravadhanam was performed by Lalitha Kameshwari and Rama Kumari, where words and sentences were conveyed through the movement of the eyes.
A Cultural Legacy Revived
The “Avadhāna Saṅgama: Cultivating Cognitive Mastery” conference successfully reignited the flame of Avadhānakalā, a timeless art form deeply rooted in Indian culture. The event was not just an intellectual exploration but a deep dive into the practical aspects of this art. It underscored the immense potential within every individual’s mind and encouraged the younger generation to appreciate and embrace this unique legacy.
In a world where distractions are omnipresent, Avadhānakalā offers a path to regain focus, explore one’s creativity, and nurture cognitive abilities. The Avadhāna Saṅgama conference will undoubtedly leave a lasting impact and inspire many to explore the unexplored territories of their minds.
Watch the Conference
For those who missed this enlightening event, you can catch the highlights on the official YouTube channel of the Avadhāna Saṅgama series. Join us in celebrating the profound world of Avadhānakalā and the incredible potential of the human mind.
Click here to watch: Avadhāna Saṅgama: Cultivating Cognitive Mastery | 4 Days Program – YouTube
The Avadhāna Saṅgama conference was a journey into the heart of an ancient art form that still holds the power to transform our understanding of the human mind. It was a celebration of tradition, talent, and the unlimited potential of the human brain, offering a glimmer of hope in a world overwhelmed by distractions and noise.
– Neelabh Kumar Sharma, Research Associate, Centre for Human Sciences, Rishihood University
