We are all aware that Vidura Neethi comprises maxims of Vidura on ‘right conduct’ in the form of a dialogue with King Dhritarashtra. The text contains more than 500 slokas, identified with Udyogaparva of Mahabharat of Sage Vyasa. The presentation of Vidura Neethi by the husband and wife dance duo Balagurunathan and Gayatri, one of the most prominent dance couples in Bharatanatyam and founders of Krishnanjali, sees Mahabharat through the eyes of Vidura, the seeker of justice, through an innovative and fresh approach.
The dance show is being premièred at Bharatiya Vidya Bhavan on March 12. The story unfolds with the wicked Shakuni who plans to destroy the Kauravas with his evil advice. He accompanies his blindfolded sister Gandhari and plants jealousy in her against Kunti, the mother of the Pandavas. In the episodes, Vidura talks of “a wicked counsel in his neethi” — Poison shall kill the one, who consumes it; a weapon shall kill the one, who is hit by it. However, a wrong counsel brings down, not only the King, who listens to it, but also his kingdom, his subjects and the glory of his land. The presentation narrates long-term destruction, a consequence of jealousy and enmity.
This programme brings out the fact that one who is jealous, venomous, cruel or deceitful — all of these are ‘sin’ — will suffer great misery. A sloka defines the limits of silence and speech bringing out the fact that if we speak it should only be the truth and make it agreeable and in line with dharma.
Vidura Neethi has a line of praise for those who study the scriptures diligently, fight a righteous battle, accomplish a deed with care and practice austerity with precision will have joyous results.Vidhura brings out his dharma saying that those who seek their misfortune are responsible for their own actions and they cannot blame others. Rajkumar Bharathy has chosen appropriate ragas, to suit the mood and the characters of the story. They are also releasing a dance DVD titled Krishnaveni Dhwani on the works of legendary dancer Krishnaveni of Kalakshetra. The sale proceeds would support the cancer treatment of underprivileged children.