From Steps to Stories: Celebrating Manisha Rasa's artistic journey on World Teachers Day
Bengaluru: In the heart of Bangalore, amidst the vibrant colors of creativity, resides Manisha Rasa, a remarkable Theatre Teacher at Orchids The International School. Her journey is a tapestry of talent and determination, woven with threads of dance, theatre, and public speaking. As we celebrate the essence of teaching on this World Teachers Day, we delve into Manisha's story, discovering the depth of her passion and the transformative power of her artistry.
From her graceful dance moves that paint stories in the air to her compelling speeches that inspire, Manisha embodies the spirit of creativity. Her classroom is not just a space of learning; it's a sanctuary of imagination, where young minds blossom under her guidance. Join us on this insightful journey, exploring the magic she brings into the lives of her students and the wider community. In the simplicity of her teachings and the depth of her impact, Manisha Rasa stands as a testament to the profound influence of passionate educators.
Interestingly she is currently teaching Kathak dance to visually impaired girl Trishika Chaturvedi. Below are the excerpts from our conversation with Manisha.
1. What made you want to professionally learn dance after your marriage?
What inspired me to pursue professional dance after getting married was my passion for the art form. Despite various challenges, I always knew deep down that I wanted to step into the world of professional dance someday. However, with the responsibilities of being a wife and a mother to two children, including a one-year-old, the path ahead was far from easy.
Juggling the demands of motherhood and my dance aspirations was like walking on a tightrope. Taking care of my family was my top priority, but I was determined to carve out time for my training and rehearsals. I devised a meticulous schedule, making early mornings and late nights my allies, and became adept at managing my time efficiently.
My youngest child needed significant attention and care, but I refused to let this hinder my dance journey. With the support of my family and childcare professionals, I ensured my child's well-being while I pursued my dream. To reach the level of professionalism I aimed for, I enrolled in intense dance classes and workshops. These sessions were physically and mentally demanding, but they were the crucible in which I refined my skills and artistry.
Throughout this journey, I faced numerous challenges, from exhaustion and self-doubt to societal expectations. Each hurdle became a stepping stone, strengthening my determination to persevere. Gradually, my dedication started to bear fruit. I participated in local performances, earned recognition within the dance community, and even secured opportunities for paid shows. These milestones validated my decision to continue my dance journey.
My story soon became an inspiration to others—women, mothers, and aspiring artists facing similar challenges. I shared my experiences through talks and workshops, encouraging others to pursue their passions, no matter how complex life may be.
2. Brief us about your experience with Pandit Birju Maharaj.
My journey in the realm of Kathak dance soared to new heights under the tutelage of my Guruji, Souvik Chakraborty, guided by the great Pandit Birju Maharaj.
Learning directly from Pandit Birju Maharaj was nothing short of a dream realized—a pinnacle moment in my dance odyssey that profoundly influenced the person I am today. The transformative experience of being under his mentorship was beyond words. I eagerly attended his classes and workshops, absorbing not only the technical expertise but also the profound wisdom and artistry he graciously shared.
I owe a significant part of who I am as a dancer and as an individual to the blessings and guidance bestowed upon me by Maharaj Ji. His impact on my life and dance career is immeasurable. What struck me most was not just his unparalleled artistry but also his humility and down-to-earth nature. Despite his legendary status, he remained approachable and unassuming. His simplicity left an indelible impression on me, shaping not only my dance skills but also my perspective on life.
3. Describe your experience in teaching dance for specially-abled people at Kolkata. How did you get into this?
My journey into teaching dance to specially-abled individuals in Kolkata was a deeply heartfelt calling that arose after I had already immersed myself in the world of dance. Fueled by my passion for dance, I felt a compelling need to extend the joy and beauty of this art form to those who faced unique challenges in life.
I found my way to this noble cause through an NGO called Prabartak Samgha Home Kolkata. This organization provided a nurturing and caring home for 53 special children, each with their unique abilities and challenges. I started spending time with these wonderful children, and together, we embarked on a transformative journey fueled by creativity and happiness, all through the medium of dance.
4. Brief us about your journey in beauty pageants.
In 2017, my life took an turn when I decided to participate in the Mrs. India beauty pageant at the national level. To my delight, I not only participated but also emerged victorious, clinching the prestigious titles of Mrs. India East and Creative Woman. This achievement marked a turning point in my life, transforming me from a dedicated mother of two into a woman radiating confidence and strength.
Fuelled by my newfound confidence and a deep-seated determination to create a positive impact, I ventured into the international arena. In 2019, I took part in the Mrs. India International pageant held in the UAE. To my joy and pride, I was crowned Mrs. India International Elegant Manisha, a title that resonated with the grace and poise I aimed to embody.
Along the way, I had the privilege of meeting the renowned fashion groomer Liza Varma.
5. Please share the details of your blind student who is studying Kathak with you. How is your experience in teaching her?
Teaching my blind student, Trishika Chaturvedi, has been a profoundly remarkable and humbling journey. Despite the unique challenges she faces, her unwavering passion for Kathak is nothing short of inspiring. Together, we have delved into innovative teaching methods, emphasizing auditory cues and tactile feedback to facilitate her learning experience.
She has displayed an incredible ability to connect with the essence of Kathak through the subtle interplay of sound and movement. Her journey serves as a testament to the power of human spirit and resilience, showcasing that passion and dedication can overcome even the most formidable obstacles.
In our sessions, we have crafted specialized techniques tailored to her needs, ensuring that she can grasp the intricate nuances of Kathak
6. Describe your journey as a teacher in Orchids The International School.
Joining Orchids, the International School as a theatre teacher on the 23rd of June 2022 marked a pivotal moment in my journey. It became a significant turning point, opening new doors of opportunity and growth for me. One person who played a crucial role during my time there was Dr. Anna Maria Ma’am. Her unwavering support and encouragement became a guiding light during challenging times, providing me with the strength to overcome obstacles.
I am equally grateful for the mentorship of our current principal, Dr. Been Keswick, whose guidance has been invaluable.
In my position as a theatre teacher at Orchids, I have had the privilege of nurturing the creative spirits of our students. Witnessing them discover their artistic talents and express themselves through theatre has been incredibly rewarding. It's not just about teaching them acting skills; it's about fostering confidence, creativity, and self-expression.
7. Brief us about your family and share about their support.
My family has been the bedrock of my entire journey, providing me with support and boundless love every step of the way. I consider myself fortunate to have been raised in an environment imbued with strong values and a disciplined upbringing. My parents, in particular, instilled in me the importance of recognizing my potential and making a positive contribution to the world.
Moreover, my two wonderful children have been a constant source of motivation and encouragement. Even amidst the challenges of motherhood and the pursuit of my passion for dance, they have stood by me, inspiring me to push my boundaries and reach for the stars.
My teaching journey officially began in 2018. However, the landscape of my life shifted in 2020 due to the Covid-19 pandemic. It was during this challenging period that I embraced and started conducting online classes. Balancing the demands of virtual teaching and managing my home studio, Studio Rasa, became a testament to my adaptability and determination.
In 2021, my family and I moved to Bangalore. This transition marked a new chapter in my professional life. I seized the opportunity to join GIBS Management School as a fitness trainer, kickstarting my independent career in a different city. Alongside this, I continued my passion for dance by starting evening dance classes.
8. Your message for readers.
To all the remarkable women out there,
I am a person with a soft heart, driven by emotions, and I've never settled for the ordinary. I thrive in discomfort because it's where growth happens. I believe in action, in taking steps forward, and never losing faith in myself, no matter the obstacles. My journey has taught me this: be independent. Embrace your strength, your dreams, and your unique journey. You have the power to overcome anything life throws your way. So, dear women, be independent, be fearless, and be the architects of your own destiny.
******
In the captivating tale of Manisha Rasa, we find not just a teacher, but a beacon of creativity and inspiration. Her journey paints a vivid picture of passion and dedication. As we conclude this interview, we're reminded of the transformative power of educators like Manisha.
In her classroom, dreams take flight, and young hearts find the courage to embrace their creativity. On this World Teachers Day, Manisha Rasa stands as a testament to the remarkable impact that a dedicated teacher can have on the lives of many. Her story echoes the essence of teaching – a blend of artistry, resilience, and the unwavering belief in the potential of every student. Here's to the teachers who shape our world, one inspired mind at a time. Happy World Teachers Day!
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Netanyahu recommends his Cabinet approve Hezbollah cease-fire proposal
Beirut, Nov 26: Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu said Tuesday that he would recommend his cabinet adopt a United States-brokered ceasefire agreement with Lebanon's Hezbollah, as Israeli warplanes struck across Lebanon, killing at least 23 people.
The Israeli military also issued a flurry of evacuation warnings — a sign it was aiming to inflict punishment on Hezbollah down to the final moments before any ceasefire takes hold. For the first time in the conflict, Israeli ground troops reached parts of Lebanon's Litani River, a focal point of the emerging deal.
In a televised statement, Netanyahu said he would present the ceasefire to Cabinet ministers later on Tuesday, setting the stage for an end to nearly 14 months of fighting.
Netanyahu said the vote was expected later Tuesday. It was not immediately clear when the ceasefire would go into effect, and the exact terms of the deal were not released. The deal does not affect Israel's war against Hamas in Gaza, which shows no signs of ending.
The evacuation warnings covered many areas, including parts of Beirut that previously have not been targeted. The warnings, coupled with fear that Israel was ratcheting up attacks before a ceasefire, sent residents fleeing. Traffic was gridlocked, and some cars had mattresses tied to them. Dozens of people, some wearing their pajamas, gathered in a central square, huddling under blankets or standing around fires as Israeli drones buzzed loudly overhead.
Hezbollah, meanwhile, kept up its rocket fire, triggering air raid sirens across northern Israel.
Lebanese officials have said Hezbollah also supports the deal. If approved by all sides, the deal would be a major step toward ending the Israel-Hezbollah war that has inflamed tensions across the region and raised fears of an even wider conflict between Israel and Hezbollah's patron, Iran.
The deal calls for a two-month initial halt in fighting and would require Hezbollah to end its armed presence in a broad swath of southern Lebanon, while Israeli troops would return to their side of the border. Thousands of Lebanese troops and UN peacekeepers would deploy in the south, and an international panel headed by the United States would monitor all sides' compliance.
But implementation remains a major question mark. Israel has demanded the right to act should Hezbollah violate its obligations. Lebanese officials have rejected writing that into the proposal. Israel's Defense Minister Israel Katz insisted on Tuesday that the military would strike Hezbollah if the U.N. peacekeeping force, known as UNIFIL, doesn't provide “effective enforcement” of the deal.
“If you don't act, we will act, and with great force,” Katz said, speaking with UN special envoy Jeanine Hennis-Plasschaert.
The European Union's top diplomat, Josep Borrell, said Tuesday that Israel's security concerns had been addressed in the deal also brokered by France.
“There is not an excuse for not implementing a ceasefire. Otherwise, Lebanon will fall apart,” Borrell told reporters in Italy on the sidelines of a Group of Seven meeting. He said France would participate on the ceasefire implementation committee at Lebanon's request.
Bombardment of Beirut's southern suburbs continues
Even as Israeli, US, Lebanese and international officials have expressed growing optimism over a ceasefire, Israel has continued its campaign in Lebanon, which it says aims to cripple Hezbollah's military capabilities.
An Israeli strike on Tuesday levelled a residential building in the central Beirut district of Basta — the second time in recent days warplanes have hit the crowded area near the city's downtown. At least seven people were killed and 37 wounded, according to Lebanon's Health Ministry.
Three people were killed in a separate strike in Beirut and three in a strike on a Palestinian refugee camp in southern Lebanon. Lebanese state media said another 10 people were killed in the eastern Baalbek province. Israel says it targets Hezbollah fighters and their infrastructure.
Earlier, Israeli jets struck at least six buildings in Beirut's southern suburbs. One strike slammed near the country's only airport, sending plumes of smoke into the sky. The airport has continued to function despite its location on the Mediterranean coast next to the densely populated suburbs where many of Hezbollah's operations are based.
Israeli military spokesman Avichay Adraee issued evacuation warnings for 20 buildings in the suburbs, as well as a warning for the southern town of Naqoura where UNIFIL is headquartered.
UNIFIL spokesperson Andrea Tenenti told The Associated Press that peacekeepers will not evacuate.
Other strikes hit in the southern city of Tyre, where the Israeli military said it killed a local Hezbollah commander.
The Israeli military also said its ground troops clashed with Hezbollah forces and destroyed rocket launchers in the Slouqi area on the eastern end of the Litani River, a few kilometres from the Israeli border.
Previous ceasefire hopes were dashed
Under the ceasefire deal, Hezbollah would be required to move its forces north of the Litani, which in some places is about 30 kilometers (20 miles) north of the border.
A ceasefire between Israel and Hezbollah, the strongest Iranian-backed force in the region, would likely significantly calm regional tensions that have led to fears of a direct, all-out war between Israel and Iran. It's not clear how the ceasefire will affect the Israel-Hamas war in Gaza. Hezbollah had long insisted that it would not agree to a ceasefire until the war in Gaza ends, but it dropped that condition.
Hezbollah began firing into northern Israel, saying it was showing support for the Palestinians, a day after Hamas carried out its Oct. 7, 2023, attack on southern Israel, triggering the Gaza war. Israel returned fire on Hezbollah, and the two sides have been exchanging barrages ever since.
Israel escalated its campaign of bombardment in mid-September and later sent troops into Lebanon, vowing to put an end to Hezbollah fire so tens of thousands of evacuated Israelis could return to their homes.
More than 3,760 people have been killed by Israeli fire in Lebanon the past 13 months, many of them civilians, according to Lebanese health officials. The bombardment has driven 1.2 million people from their homes. Israel says it has killed more than 2,000 Hezbollah members.
Hezbollah fire has forced some 50,000 Israelis to evacuate in the country's north, and its rockets have reached as far south in Israel as Tel Aviv. At least 75 people have been killed, more than half of them civilians. More than 50 Israeli soldiers have died in the ground offensive in Lebanon.
After previous hopes for a ceasefire were dashed, U.S. officials cautioned that negotiations were not yet complete and noted there could be last-minute hitches that delay or destroy an agreement.
“Nothing is done until everything is done,” White House national security spokesman John Kirby said.
While the ceasefire proposal is expected to be approved if Netanyahu brings it to a vote in his security Cabinet, one hard-line member, National Security Minister Itamar Ben-Gvir, said he would oppose it. He said on X that a deal with Lebanon would be a “big mistake” and a “missed historic opportunity to eradicate Hezbollah.”
