Dancer Dances in his Waterlogged Studio with Teary Eyes

Shamik Chanda, a Silchar-based Kathak Dancer, in a video was seen dancing, inside his studio, that have been flooded by water. He was dancing, all the while his eyes were filled with tears. Amid the ongoing flood situation, his studio Nirantar had the same fate, like many other houses around the town. 

Matching his steps with the melodies of Sokatore Oi Kadiche Sokole by Sahana Bajpaie, he was dancing. People with artistic mind have their own way to express their emotions. They use artistic expression to convey what their heart feels. In history, we will find artist all around the world, bringing change through their art. Through their unique artistic expressions, Artists are able to ignite all sorts of emotions into the hearts of masses.

Poets through their poems started revolution, singers sang songs and inspired people to stand against their oppressor, dancers danced to show us the reality of our cruel world through their steps. Art has its own way to say what has been said thousands of times before, but somehow, it is more impactful.

Why is Shamik dancing inside his Waterlogged Studio? Why is he crying? What is he trying to convey? Is it the fact, that his beloved studio is submerged? Sharing the video, on his social media platform, he wrote “Since 2020 this room has been my companion. From my first home to becoming a studio, this transition has transformed me. So many friends come and go that every wall, every corner holds the memories we have made here. But for me, this is where I curl up after a bad day, this is where I lie in peace.” This Studio, Nirantar is where he comes to find peace. The place that brings him peace, is now in a horrific situation.

“This is where I practice, where I learn and teach. This room is my detox. This room is my enlightenment. This room is me.” He added. This studio isn’t just a room with four walls for him, it is the place where he practices his art form, where he learns and teaches others. He stated that this is not just a room for him, he is this room.

“My heart breaks into a million pieces today. I know that this too shall pass, but the pain of seeing Nirantar submerged under water is surreal. The rain has stopped, but my tears don’t. Praying for love and light!” he further added. Just like his studio, many houses are submerged or entirely underwater. People are trapped inside their houses with no way out. People are scared.

Him dancing with his eyes full of tears made us ask, why this has to happen? Why anyone has to face such a situation? A flood like this, our generation never witnessed. At least, not in our town. How come our town is in such bad situation?

Every year, Assam faces floods, every year village areas are affected the worst. Every year, Silchar gets Waterlogged. But, for how long? For how long the people of Assam has to face floods? Have to run away from their houses, their places where they find peace, the places that resonates with them. For how long?

Perhaps, we should end this article right here, with this simple question; for how long? Let’s ask this question to ourselves, to each other, to our beloved administration. For how long? May be, that’s when we will get the answer that we seek.