I had in my mind the type of dance form I wanted to learn, relaxed upper body with clear grooves and possibly body waves, rhythmic movement of feet and legs, and some smooth moves as if you are flowing on the floor. In particular, I use some similar moves while listening to music in my hostel room for flexing and chilling out. I wondered, and wished, for a list of foundational moves for the dance form I had vaguely in my mind. And then, it turned out, there is a dance form with the key elements as jacking (body waves with grooves), footwork, and lofting ( a fluidic body movement) – known as “House Dance”.

It was yet another leisurely time when I was scrolling my Instagram Feed, and I stumbled upon this video of Rajiv Sir (Kings United) and his team dancing to the bollywood song “Kabhi Kabhi Aditi”. So perfectly the moves were fit to the music; that the very first move caught my attention. I tried copying the first move, but the footwork was so very confusing for me them. That was the moment I ardently wished to know if there is a a foundation technique, or a name of the footwork used there.

BANRI Jackin – YouTube

Banri | House Dance Dictionary (@banri_jackin) • Instagram photos and videos

While it is our collective duty to adopt a healthy and sustainable lifestyle, it is has to start from an individual level. We must value and respect the natural resources available to us – the flora and fauna, the fresh air, sunlight, the rain and so on. Also, we must be prudently selective of our diet – the raw materials which build the cells of our body (we are a collection of cells), sleep and physical activities. It is our duty to align our physical body with the natural ecosystem we are part of, the reward of which to us is a healthy and happy life, and to the Earth – a sustainable use of its resources by all its inhabitants.

It was scorching hot in Bengaluru till the afternoon of 9^th May 2024, the day I was supposed to collect BIB and T-shirt for the run. The daytime temperatures exceeded 45 degrees Celsius, and nights were dry and hot. Despite the fact that IISc was cooler than the rest of Bengaluru, all I was praying for was a heavy downpour of rain. As the sun set, clouds started to smear the orange sky around 7 pm in the evening; I started to walk towards the Sandal Soap Factory metro station. While I was halfway near the Orion Mall, a few hundred meters away from the metro station, I felt the first drop of rain, which made me increase my pace of walk. By the time I reached the MG Road metro station, from which the BIB collection center was just  1.6 km away, it was half past 7, and I had to hurry up to reach the center before 8 pm. The clouds might have been slower than the metro trains, as it was not raining there on MG Road. I paced up and collected the BIB T-shirt, and as I set foot on the corridor outside the center, I noticed heavy winds, intermittent thunder, lightning, and a light drizzle. I was as happy as I was because of the opportunity to feel the rain for the first time in almost a year. It was already pouring before I reached the metro, and I was almost half-wet with my hair drenched. As much as I enjoyed getting wet in the rain, a few intermittent sneezes after I got down from the metro made me a bit concerned. I was afraid I would catch a cold – the last thing I want before a marathon. As soon as I reached my hostel room, I changed clothes, had a sumptuous dinner, and fell asleep quickly.

On 11^th May, I was quite determined when I set out toward the Cubbon Park metro station and boarded the bus at Kanteerava stadium that took us to the marathon venue. Within an hour, we were there at Brigade Orchards. I warmed up and was ready to pace along the marathon track with my GPS watch on, the Strava app opened, and relaxing music playing when I reached my runners-high stage.

As the run started, I was relaxed, increasing my pace with a slow acceleration to reach the equilibrium speed, just like my usual practice sessions. My plan was to maintain a constant speed, a bit more than 10kmph, all throughout the run, which would easily make me finish the run in 2hrs, and a new personal record for me. There was an initial phase of exhaustion, which is usual in every run, for the body to reach its homeostasis equilibrium – a phase that lasts for 2- 3km max, after which the run becomes more enjoyable and pleasant. However, this time, I felt that this phase was not getting over, and I was starting to feel heavier and heavier with every step. My feet started getting heated up, this time a bit unusually higher. While everything was pleasant, the weather, the evening temperature, and I maintained a good pace for almost three and a half km; I felt a sudden cramp on the right side of my abdomen. I paused the run for a few seconds, stretched backward, and resumed my run quickly. With a determination to endure it throughout, I continued and completed the first loop, which was a bit more than 5km in length, but to my surprise, I was overridden by exhaustion and fatigue that was penetrating my bones. I slowed my running pace down and tried keeping up with a few fellow runners for some lengths before I had to slow down further for a fast-paced walk. I realized that this was due to the mild fever – a consequence of my getting drenched in rain two days earlier.

Whatever is done is done, and whatever happened has happened – no backing out now.  I had to complete the entire length of 21k – irrespective of what happens. Reminding myself of what David Goggins said – “Stop when you are done, not when you are tired.”  I quickly strategized a new plan – intermittent running. Run for a km and walk for 100m – that, I thought, would allow me to finish the race before 2 hrs 15 min at max. While I resumed my run, the rush of adrenaline helped me ignore the pain and exhaustion, and other runners on the track were pacing up with enthusiasm. I got motivated and maintained the constant pace for a bit longer, but this time, the exhaustion set it faster than before. My intermittent strategy now had longer lengths of walk than the lengths of run. By the time I was less than 5km away from the finish line, even walking a step felt like lifting a heavy log of wood. By this time, I just wished I could complete the race before 2 hr 30 min, and I tried to increase my walking pace.

I had failed – the target of completing the race in less than 2hrs was way out of the league. Although  I was walking steadily in the last km of run towards the finish line, enduring the pain, fatigue, and exhaustion, I gathered all the energy left to sprint the last 100m before giving the run a glorious finish. With the satisfaction of completing the run, I requested one of the other finishers to click a photo of me. This makes me laugh now, to recall how my phone fell on the ground while giving it to him, all thanks to my dizziness after the short finishing sprint. As I collected the 21km finisher medal under the night sky with a pleasant breeze, I was happy that I could pull myself through the entire length of 21km.

Unlike other runs that I have posted about, it’s not a run of achievement. My timing was quite poor than I expected. On the other hand, as I can clearly think about it as I write this, I was quite tenacious and resilient that day, not just giving up despite all the adverse situations. My focus was on the finish line the whole time, which made me keep going despite all adversities. I guess, in life as well, the only thing that really matters is the goal and a firm resolve to go through the journey or the process towards it. The companions in this journey are tenacity, resilience, and endurance, which make you sturdy and keep going, and the vision that gives you the direction is the goal – the finish line.

Getting ready for Race: Planning, preparation and luck

There were two categories for the inaugural run: 5k and 10k. I had registered for the 10k as practice for my upcoming Half-marathon – the Uru Midnight run organized by Mountain Festivals. My initial attempt to register using the Instagram link was unsuccessful for some reason, which I didn’t bother to figure out. I received a link later forwarded by one of my friends, Ramakrishna, whom I know because he runs regularly in the morning.

Just a day before, on Saturday, I had participated in the industry-institute conclave, where one of my colleagues, Isha, was also an attendee. While returning to the hostel from the conclave, the conversation about the next day’s plans popped up. That’s when I learned that Isha had also registered for the same. Hence, we decided to go to the venue together the next morning by metro and reach Kanteerava stadium by 5:30 AM. I had planned it all – to walk towards Sandalsoap factory metro station by 4:50 to reach Sir M Vishveswarya Metro station, from which the reporting venue was just 2 km approx. – a perfect walking distance for pre-warmup. But there was a very big loophole – I had totally missed the fact that the next day was Sunday and that the metro would start only after 7 AM. Luckily, I met Ramakrishna on Saturday evening, who realized this, and I quickly booked a cab for the next morning. He was coming with his friend Sandeep (I got acquainted with him later in the morning), but they had not decided on the mode of transport then. The cab was booked – and we all woke up early – infused with enthusiasm, and reached the venue – well in time to be in the queue for T-shirts. Proud of the fact that we were punctual, we collected the T-shirts and took a mandatory selfie before the run.

Phases of the Run

There was a Zumba instructor who made us do the warm-up shortly before the run, and the run started at 6:40 AM. I set up my Strava activity to Running mode and started off to increase my pace, overtaking those who were running slower than my moderate pace. I had no strategy, no specific plan for this run – except for posing nicely whenever I saw someone taking photos of the runners. As I reached the initial phase of the run, wherein my body was set to an equilibrium pace, and there would be rare occasions of overtaking, the density of fellow runners decreased. Running much ahead of me were professional runners whose practice and training were clearly demonstrated by their running technique and physical build. I saw a Punjabi guy – whose vibe matched that of Milkha Singh. We met each other quite a number of times – and I made sure to make a gesture of hats off when I realized that he was much ahead of me on the looped running track. My gesture was to respect the hard work and training they demonstrated, and in return, he smiled back – indicating a clear picture of humility, no ego, no arrogance – just pure sportsmanship.

As I raced ahead, I could see a running crowd, but much behind in the loop. However, I was running alone by that time; there were runners much ahead of me, running alone as well, and there were a few behind me, again running in solitary. I lost track of the runner in front of me, and there came a crossroad, and I was confused about which road to take. That’s where I took a wrong loop which cost me an extra km of the run. However, after completing the loop, I had already run 10 km and wondered why the finishing point was not approaching. That’s when I realized – “Oops, I took a wrong turn…” but still continued my run, visualizing myself as Goku (a character from the Japanese Anime Dragon Ball Z) running on the snake way to save the earth. By the time I reached the finishing line, I had already run 11 km. More than that, I had broken my personal record for a 10 km run.

Breaking personal records again reminds me of Goku – who always pushed his limits to gain more energy, power, and speed, to save the earth.

Relishing the Post-Run Moments

There were already queues for breakfast when I completed my run. Soon after, the Zumba instructor started a cool-down session, which I joined after my own cool-down stretches. I was super hungry by then, and as I walked towards the breakfast queue, I met Isha again. Although she had already had her breakfast, I made her to stand in the queue with me to get an extra plate for me – and she had to because a friend in need is a friend indeed. The breakfast was amazing – unconventional shaped idlis, a sweet upma, and normal upma with sambar and chutney – two plates of mouth-watering delicious cuisine that I devoured with ecstasy. After breakfast, we took some pics to cherish the memory of the run. Overwhelmed with the satisfaction of completing the run, content with the tasty breakfast, and happy for securing a free T-shirt, we walked towards the Sir M Vishveshwarya metro station and reached Sandal soap factory metro – from which IISc was a walkable distance away.

Joy of Achievement

Infused with the happy hormones released after physical activity, I was feeling so happy, light, and enthusiastic. Completing this run not only marked an achievement added to my diaries of self-development but also made me feel grateful to be able to run and be healthy, boosted sportsmanship spirit, helped me develop respect for those who work hard and train, and made a few amazing memories with friends.

Odissi, a classical dance form that traces its roots to the ancient temples of Odisha, is not merely a dance but a divine expression of art and spirituality. Under the guidance of my revered guruma, Devjani Sen, I had the privilege of delving into the intricacies of this enchanting dance form, and “Namo Ganesha” marked my maiden performance in the world of Odissi.

The performance commenced with the rhythmic beats of the mardala, creating an atmosphere of reverence. As the spotlight illuminated the stage, we, the dancers, entered with a sense of purpose and dedication. The dance unfolded like a story, each movement a chapter, weaving together the tales of Lord Ganesha’s benevolence and power.

The choice of “Namo Ganesha” was deliberate, for we sought the blessings of the Vighna Vinashak, the one who obliterates obstacles. Lord Ganesha, depicted as the son of Maa Girija, became the focal point of our dance, symbolizing the divine connection between a mother and her child. Through every gesture, every twirl, we aimed to invoke his divine presence and seek his guidance in our artistic journey and life’s path.

The choreography was a beautiful amalgamation of intricate footwork, expressive hand movements, and captivating facial expressions – the hallmark of Odissi. Each dancer moved in harmony, a testament to the rigorous training and dedication instilled by Guruma Devjani Sen. As we moved through the various mudras and postures, it felt like a conversation with the divine, a silent prayer conveyed through the language of dance.

For me, personally, this performance marked a significant milestone in my artistic journey. The stage, once a distant dream, became a reality under the nurturing guidance of Guruma Devjani Sen. Her wisdom, patience, and relentless dedication to the art of Odissi have sculpted not just dancers but devotees of this divine form.

The applause that followed our performance was not just a validation of our skill but a recognition of the devotion and hard work that went into every practice session. It was a humbling experience to receive the audience’s appreciation, knowing that our dance had touched their hearts and perhaps stirred a connection with the divine.

As I reflect on this memorable evening, I am filled with gratitude – to my guruma, to my fellow dancers, and to the divine energy that guided us on stage. “Namo Ganesha” was not just a performance; it was a spiritual journey, a communion of art and devotion. And as I take my first steps in the world of Odissi, I carry with me the blessings of Lord Ganesha and the invaluable teachings of Guruma Devjani Sen, knowing that this is just the beginning of a lifelong odyssey in the realm of classical dance.

The Genesis of Odissi Dance Centre (ODC)

In September 2008, driven by the profound credos instilled by her guru, Devjani Sen laid the foundation of the Odissi Dance Centre (ODC) at the Smriti Nandan Cultural Centre on Palace Road, Bangalore. This cultural oasis became a haven for those passionate about Odissi, offering a space where the art form could be learned, celebrated, and passed on to future generations.

The Influence of Guru Kelucharan Mohapatra

As a direct disciple of Guru Kelucharan Mohapatra, Smt. Devjani Sen inherited not only the stylized forms of Odissi but also the core philosophy that shaped her approach to dance and teaching. Guru Kelucharan Mohapatra, a Padma Vibhushan awardee, was a luminary in the world of Odissi, and his teachings continue to echo through the graceful movements and expressions of those who have had the privilege to learn from him.

Dance as Sadhna and Teaching as Dharma

For my Guruma Devjani Sen, dance is not just an artistic expression; it is a form of sadhna—a spiritual journey that goes beyond the physical movements. Teaching, in her eyes, is a sacred duty, a dharma that involves imparting not only the techniques of Odissi but also the values and philosophies that make the dance form a holistic experience.

The Spiritual Dedication

My first Odissi performance was a momentous occasion, dedicated to the lotus feet of Lord Ganesha—the Agra Pujya, the God of Knowledge and Wisdom. With the grace of my Odissi Guruma, Smt. Devjani Sen, this performance is a spiritual offering, a humble expression of gratitude for the knowledge and wisdom bestowed upon me.

A Guru-Disciple Bond

In the sacred journey of dance, the bond between a guru and a disciple is akin to the relationship between a sculptor and clay. Guruma Devjani Sen, to me, is not only a teacher but an incarnation of Maa Saraswati—the goddess of knowledge, wisdom, and the arts. Her guidance has shaped not only my dance but also my understanding of life and its deeper meanings.

Conclusion

As I continue this Odissi odyssey under the tutelage of Guruma Smt. Devjani Sen, I am reminded that dance is not just a series of movements but a profound spiritual experience. The Odissi Dance Centre, under her leadership, stands as a testament to the rich cultural heritage and the enduring legacy of Guru Kelucharan Mohapatra. With each step, I walk the path laid by my guruma, honoring the traditions of Odissi and embracing the philosophy that dance is indeed sadhna, that leads me closer to the supreme almighty Lord Jagannath.

Introduction

In the sacred verses of Goswami Tulsidas’ Ramcharitmanas, a poignant episode unfolds during the Ayodhya Kaand (Reference: Sri Ramcharitmanas, Ayodhya Kaand, Doha 92) , where profound wisdom is imparted by Lakshmana. It is a moment that encapsulates the timeless philosophy of karma, emphasizing personal responsibility for one’s joys and sorrows. Let’s delve into the narrative where Lakshmana imparts a lesson that transcends time and resonates with the essence of righteous living.

The Setting

As Lord Rama, accompanied by his devoted wife Sita and loyal brother Lakshmana, traverses the arduous path of exile, they come across the Ganges River.

Nishadraj Guha, observing the seemingly adverse circumstances that have befallen the illustrious trio, expresses his lamentation. He questions the twists of fate that have led Rama, Sita, and Lakshmana, who once dwelled in the opulence of a palace, to find respite under the humble shelter of a tree on the riverbank.

The Lesson

In response to Nishadraj Guha’s reflection on the apparent misfortune of Rama and Sita, Lakshmana, in a tone resonating with both compassion and wisdom, utters the timeless words: “काहु न कोउ सुख दुख कर दाता। निज कृत करम भोग सबु भ्राता।।”.

This expression encapsulates the profound philosophy of karma – the understanding that individuals are the architects of their own destiny. Lakshmana gently reminds Nishadraj Guha that the challenges faced by Rama and Sita are not solely dictated by external circumstances or the actions of others. Instead, they are intricately woven into the fabric of divine justice, where each being reaps the consequences of their own deeds.

The Deeper Meaning: Lakshmana’s words resonate far beyond the banks of the Ganges; they echo through the corridors of time, inviting reflection on the universal law of cause and effect. In a world often shaped by uncertainties and external influences, the concept of karma offers a guiding light, reminding individuals of their agency in creating their destinies.

As we navigate the river of life, encountering its ebbs and flows, the wisdom imparted by Lakshmana serves as a compass. It encourages us to embrace the principles of righteousness, mindful of our actions, and cognizant of the fact that our deeds shape the narrative of our lives.

Conclusion

In the shade of wisdom, under the canopy of a timeless lesson, Lakshmana’s words echo as a reminder that amidst the challenges of life, we are the authors of our own story. The philosophy of karma, encapsulated in this poignant episode, invites us to tread the path of righteousness and accept both joy and sorrow with equanimity, knowing that our actions shape the course of our journey. As we cross the rivers of life, may the teachings of Lakshmana guide us toward the shores of enlightenment and self-realization.

A Marathon Mentor:

They say that in every runner’s journey, there’s a mentor who imparts wisdom gained from the rhythm of countless strides. The fellow runner, a seasoned 42K finisher, became that beacon of inspiration. Over a cup of post-run coffee, he shared insights, strategies, and a reservoir of knowledge that could only be gleaned from the experience of conquering a full marathon.

Tips for Performance Enhancement:

From pacing strategies to cross-training recommendations, my friend’s tips were a goldmine for anyone looking to enhance their running performance. He emphasized the importance of consistency, proper nutrition, and the need for both physical and mental endurance. Every nugget of advice resonated, sparking a renewed commitment to my running journey.

Unveiling Strava’s Potential:

In the midst of our conversation, he introduced me to Strava – a digital haven for runners and athletes alike. This app, with its sleek interface and powerful features, promised to be more than just a tracking tool. It emerged as a community, a source of motivation, and a platform to set and achieve ambitious goals.

Strava: More Than Just an App:

As I delved into the world of Strava, I realized its potential extended beyond simple run tracking. The app seamlessly integrated social features, allowing me to connect with fellow runners, share achievements, and draw inspiration from the athletic endeavors of a global community. It was more than a tool; it was a companion in the pursuit of personal bests.

Community and Camaraderie:

The real magic of Strava unfolded as I joined clubs, participated in challenges, and engaged with the vibrant running community. The camaraderie was palpable, the encouragement infectious. Whether running solo or virtually joining friends in a challenge, Strava transformed my solitary runs into a shared experience.

The Ripple Effect:

What began as a chance meeting with a marathon finisher evolved into a ripple effect of inspiration. Armed with newfound knowledge and fueled by the supportive Strava community, my running journey took on a new dimension. Every stride became purposeful, and each run held the potential for a personal best.

Conclusion:

In the serendipitous encounter with a 42K finisher and the discovery of Strava, my running narrative found fresh impetus. The tips shared by my friend and the digital embrace of the Strava community have become integral elements in my pursuit of running excellence. As I lace up my shoes, I’m not just running; I’m part of a global movement, fueled by inspiration and powered by the collective spirit of runners around the world.

The Thrill of the Run

Picture this: the crisp morning air, the rhythmic pounding of feet on pavement, and the collective energy of fellow runners propelling us forward. Every step was a heartbeat, a testament to months of training, discipline, and the unyielding pursuit of a personal best.

Crossing the Finish Line

The culmination of countless early mornings, grueling workouts, and the unwavering support of friends and family came to fruition as I triumphantly crossed the finish line. As the finished line approached, and a wave of emotions washed over me—a concoction of pride, relief, and a hunger for more.

Room for Improvement

In the aftermath of victory, it’s easy to bask in the glory of accomplishment. However, a true athlete recognizes that every race is a stepping stone. Despite the sense of achievement, I acknowledge the areas that demand attention—speed and timing. The pursuit of excellence is a relentless journey, and there’s always room to fine-tune and evolve.

The Satisfaction of Completion

The race wasn’t just a physical challenge; it was a mental and emotional odyssey. As I look back on the photos and relive the moments captured in each kilometer, the satisfaction of completion overshadows any lingering fatigue. The Half Marathon isn’t just a distance; it’s a testament to resilience, commitment, and the unyielding belief that the finish line is not a destination but a milestone.

The Next Chapter

For those interested in the nitty-gritty details, my results can be found at this link. It’s more than a set of numbers; it’s a chronicle of the effort, dedication, and sheer willpower that went into those 21.097 kilometers.

The Journey Continues

As I lace up my running shoes and prepare for the next challenge, I carry with me the lessons learned on October 8th, 2023. The Half Marathon was not just a race; it was a chapter in an ongoing narrative of growth, perseverance, and the unending pursuit of personal bests.

In the grand tapestry of a runner’s life, October 13, 2023, will forever be a vibrant thread—a reminder that every stride counts, and every finish line is a beginning. Here’s to the next adventure, the next milestone, and the continued pursuit of the runner’s high.

The Half-Marathon High

A month ago, I stood at the starting line of a half-marathon, heart pounding, adrenaline coursing through my veins. The cheers of fellow runners and the buzz of anticipation filled the air. With each step, I conquered 21 kilometers, pushing my limits and savoring the taste of accomplishment as I crossed the finish line. It was a monumental achievement, a testament to months of training, dedication, and sheer determination.

The Hiatus

As the echoes of the half-marathon faded, life’s demands took center stage, and the familiar rhythm of my daily runs fell silent. A month slipped by, marked by a temporary disconnect from the pavement. The absence of the rhythmic beat of my sneakers against the ground left a void that only a runner understands.

The Comeback Trail

Today marked the end of that unintentional hiatus. The sun hung low in the sky, casting a warm glow on the pavement ahead. With a mix of excitement and trepidation, I embarked on a 5.8-kilometer run – a gentle reintroduction to the familiar cadence of my feet hitting the ground.

Rediscovering the Joy

The first few steps were a revelation. The pavement welcomed me back with open arms, and the rhythmic thud of my shoes echoed the heartbeat of my renewed commitment. The cool breeze whispered tales of resilience, and each breath drawn in felt like a promise of a fresh start.

Lessons from the Break

The month-long break taught me more than just the importance of rest. It was a reminder that running is not just about the miles covered but about the love affair with the journey itself. It’s about honoring the body, listening to its needs, and acknowledging the ebb and flow of the runner’s life.

The Gratifying Satisfaction of 5.8K

The 5.8 kilometers felt like a reunion with an old friend. Familiar landmarks passed by, and the world seemed to brighten with every stride. As the finish line approached, a sense of accomplishment filled my being. It wasn’t about the distance covered but the joy of returning to the run.

Conclusion

Today’s 5.8-kilometer run was more than just a physical activity. It was a celebration of the runner’s spirit, a dance with perseverance, and a testimony to the enduring love for the road. The hiatus served as a poignant interlude, making the return to the pavement all the more gratifying. As I catch my breath and revel in the post-run glow, I am reminded that every run, regardless of its length, is a triumph in its own right – a chapter in the ever-evolving narrative of a runner’s journey.