'Vyaktitva': expressing the personality {1} Shri. Pavitra Bhat

Written by: Niyati Visal

As humans, we all want to be understood. And a Guru, is one of those people who truly understand you. A guru is much more than a teacher. Along with all the other accepted qualities, I believe a Guru is someone who can see through his student, into the soul. And that’s what we need, to entrust ourselves to someone with a higher understanding, without a fear of betrayal, loss and failure. Because in due time one realizes betrayal, failure and loss are small and petty before a beautiful bond shared with your mentor.

With all the hardwork and dedication an artist puts into his work, he becomes a work of art himself, in the most literal sense. Pavitra sir, is a charismatic and wonderful performer who leaves his audience in awe everytime he performs. And it is the same feeling I got when I watched him the first time of television performing at the Khajuraho Festival. The arts, especially dance involve not just good technique but values and morals that need to be held up always. I admire sir for being a beautiful person he is along with being a beautiful dancer.

To us students, Sir has not just taught us how to dance better but also how to be a good human being. Tireless efforts put in every student, valuing each one’s talent along with creative teaching methods is what makes learning interesting. Never have we seen Sir tired and ignorant towards our concerns. He has been there to answer every question of ours, most importantly, providing a space where questions can be asked. Many times I find myself pondering hours later over things Sir mentioned in a casual conversation. I have learnt so much just by observation. He has always been humble, down-to-earth and it is in this humility that I realize that there is so much more to learn from him.

Sometimes, times are tense and stressful. Things do not go as planned. And yet one will find Sir calm and composed, trying to find a way out in the best possible way. The bond he shares with his students has turned us into a family that unconditionally looks out for each other in good and bad times. Learning from Sir is always fun and exciting. With a mix of humour, assertiveness and constructive criticism, he motivates us to push our limits every time. Sir’s enthusiasm and persistence drives me to work harder to be a better dancer.

Life is weaving memories with people you adore and learning as much as you can. The bond we share with our Guru is what makes learning the arts meaningful, believing in our traditions undoubtful and gaining knowledge wonderful. I am glad I’m born in a culture where such higher realisations exist.Rituals without feelings are just actions. My respect for my Guru only genuinely rises when I bow to touch his feet.