As part of my job induction
at Ahmedabad a few years ago, my wife and I were told to await the
big event of Gujarat in October every year, and were told a little of
what the Dandiya and Garba dance was all about… but almost all the locals agreed that the
nine-day wonder was best experienced than explained.
A few weeks before the
festival, we were advised to get the appropriate attire, after which lots
of discussions ensued when I cautiously acquired a bright kurta and churidar
along with a sash – which I tried by giving up my office formals and pale
blues. With some persuasion from the women folk, Nazarene also agreed
to try on the traditional dresses.
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| A Garba Dance at Ahmedabad |
We waited for the day when
festivities start, when my colleague Nishit and his wife Mona took us to the
NID Garba. We were told that it would be a visual delight. When we
finally reached the place, we saw a few people dancing in a
circle - we followed Nishit and Mona and mimicked them. The steps were a
bit complicated for us, uninitiated as we were, but dance we did, but with
a few hiccups. We were drawn into the fun-charged atmosphere and we were having
so much fun, that it seemed like we went through a couple of rounds, before we
realised it was almost midnight.
The circle kept expanding and
took a bit longer to complete each round, but we didn’t really mind.
In fact we beckoned others to join in. Those who were experienced joined in
effortlessly, but there was space for the novices as well. In all it was fun
and enjoyment. I believe just like us, the circle drew in people of
different faiths and nationalities. Everyone seemed to enjoy and performed the
right steps to keep the circle and the group moving.
I have noticed this dance year after year at various venues and found a
similar verve, harmony and rhythm. It set me thinking on the elements behind
this activity which invokes such high participation. What I found are quite
interesting - first and foremost, people are happy and come voluntarily, next
they quickly understand what needs to be done. The ‘training’ by experienced dancers is
passed on by being role models, furthermore feedback is quick given
silently through actions and in empathy. No one really counts how many rounds
each should do, I notice that people usually stretch and go beyond what they
would usually do. At times, the momentum of the group increases
depending upon the music beats. Few of them temporarily step aside to catch
their breath and then rejoin the group. The circle remains steady and there is
no inkling of start and end. Any of the group members can suggest a new dance
step and in a few minutes, the entire group follows – perfectly synchronized.
There is harmony in
everybody's movement and each person’s action enhances the beauty of the dance. I
was watching with interest, the endless joy and laughter vibrant dresses add to the
visual appeal and mood… when I suddenly realized that there was no
leader. You don’t really find a leader in this dance.
All of us, in the last
ten days, have again experienced being part of a Leaderless group and
have performed to the best of our abilities as well. The cradle of our
civilization and culture has imbued this idea for us. This is indeed a great
opportunity to extend this idea beyond Dussehra, and take it to
our workspaces and homes.
Can we take responsibility
for aspects which affect each other, for example even a simple action of not
throwing garbage, not wasting our resources, encouraging the children and the
aged, or even appreciating good work? I believe each of these and many
more can be the impact of leaderless groups. In fact only when
we assume responsibility to enhance the harmony of our circles/groups, we
truly become Leaders.
