Indian Institute of Information and Technology, Lucknow

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Kathak

As in 2024

Mohita Tewari, July 5, 2024: The Times of India

Lucknow: For the first time in the country, one of the leading engineering institutes, the Indian Institute of Information and Technology, Lucknow (IIIT-L), deputed a highly qualified kathak teacher to help students stay stress-free.

According to the institute's director, the dance classes, which were initially thought of as an experiment, have received quite a response from students, many of whom have become regulars at these sessions.

IIITs, which are counted among the nation's premier institutions after IITs, are known for their interdisciplinary tech-based engineering programmes targeted at information technology. "There are several studies that prove music and dance are mental healers. We want our students to be mentally and physically fit. Kathak is often termed a form of meditation that helps release stress and promotes relaxation," Arun Mohan Sherry, director of IIIT-L, said.

Sherry says he wanted a dance teacher who understood the minds of budding engineers. "We recruited Anshima Chaudhari, who did BTech in biotechnology, before learning kathak from Bhatkhande Sanskriti Vishwavidyalaya (Lucknow). She is currently pursuing PhD in kathak," he said.

A junior research fellow, Chaudhari did research on "the role of kathak dance in healing mental health". She holds kathak classes for two hours in the evening at IIIT-L, once students are done with their classes.

"Initially, engineering boys were reluctant but, now, in every class, around 15 boys and 40 girls turn up. Engineering students, including boys, perform thumri on Albela Sajan, Yog Natyam, Stuti, and whatnot," Anshima says.

"Rhythmic footsteps, meaningful hand gestures (mudra), and emotional facial expressions (bhav) create a profound harmony between mind and body. Kathak, with its subtle movements, helps students learn patience, increases focus, and brings mental clarity," she says.

Top IITs hold mental wellness and stress management workshops for students from time to time. Also, sports and unique stress-buster activities are planned to promote the mental health of students. For example, IIT-Bombay recently launched "Recharge Zone", a unique stress relief initiative where students can take up foot spa, art, yoga, and other activities to manage stress during placements.