Surabhi Kumar, spouse of the Consul General of India in Chicago Amit Kumar, was the Guest of Honor at the special cultural event with the theme “Break the Bias” hosted by Mandi Theatre to celebrate International Women’s Day and Azadi ka Amrit Mahotsav (75th anniversary celebrations of India’s independence).
Surabhi Kumar shared her thoughts on the issue of women’s empowerment and equality, a press release from organizers said. She addressed issues such as internalized misogyny, deliberate or unconscious biases at different levels, her experience as an educator and the spouse of a diplomat. She also noted how normative expectations of a mother and father’s roles has undergone a significant change.
She also presented commendation certificates to select artists.
Consul General Kumar also addressed the gathering, inter alia, paying tribute to Pandit Birju Maharaj who had notably blurred the role of gender in Kathak performances. A documentary on him was screened at the event.
The cultural program comprised sitar recitation, tabla and violin jugalbandi, Kathak performance and enactment of a Hindi play – Khandit Yakshini.
,
The Mandi Theatre team led by Alka Sharma has over the years taken up several social issues through the medium of theater. The Consulate has also organized joint activities with them in the past.
Related posts:
Federation of Indian Associations Chicago (1980) Celebrates Azadi Ka Amrit Mahotsav
India’s Consulate in Chicago holds ‘Kala Utsav’ highlighting India’s diversity and culture
Indian Consulate in Chicago observes Martyrs Day to commemorate Gandhiji’s death
Ahimsa Foundation, Indian Consulate, Celebrate Lord Mahavir, India’s Independence
