India, Aug. 24 -- Classical dance became a soulful tribute to the nation on Friday evening at the India Habitat Centre, where Padma Shri Bharatanatyam dancer Prathibha Prahlad and her Prasiddha Dance Repertory presented Rashtra Yajna. Marking 150 years of Vande Mataram, the production featured 18 artistes, all under 30, bringing fresh energy and finesse to the traditional form of Bharatanatyam. Speaking on the occasion, Prahlad said, "I felt moved and happy to see how warmly Rashtra Yajna was received. To witness such a large gathering of eminent people, those who understand and live the spirit of Sanatana Dharma, was deeply meaningful to me." Explaining the core thought behind the production, she said, "What made the response so fulfilling was seeing the concept behind my choreography understood, an attempt to speak of the country through the National Flag and evoke our civilisational consciousness through Vande Mataram. Rashtra Yajna was an offering to the idea of Bharat." Former Union Minister Murli Manohar Joshi was the Chief Guest and praised the young ensemble, saying, "In my view, today's event was truly magnificent. Pratibhaji's deep expertise beautifully highlighted the culture of the entire country and brought her immense talent to life."...