Ascend Jiva

Prepare to be transported into a world of ancient legend, divine love, royal destiny — and radiant hope.
On Sunday, July 27, 2025, the stage at the Collins Center for the Performing Arts in Andover, MA will come alive with vibrant movement, music, and meaning as Vision-Aid presents Shakuntala – The Legend of the Lost Ring, a Broadway-style Bharatanatyam dance drama like no other.
This grand production is more than just a visual masterpiece — it’s a celebration of culture in service of compassion, raising funds to uplift and empower those with visual impairments across India.
🌿 A Timeless Epic Reimagined
Inspired by Kalidasa’s classic and rooted in the Mahabharata, the story follows Shakuntala, a forest-dwelling maiden, and King Dushyant, whose love and destiny intertwine through a secret marriage, a forgotten promise, and a fateful ring lost — and found.
This is not just their love story.
It is the story of Bharata, their son — the mighty ruler whose name India, or Bharat, proudly bears to this day.
💃 60+ Dancers | 1 Legendary Evening
This year’s production brings together over 60 incredibly talented dancers from across New England, trained and choreographed under the visionary guidance of Kalaimamani Madurai R. Muralidaran. Artistic direction is helmed by Jeyanthi Ghatraju and Sripriya Natarajan Moorthy, with support from a team of passionate teachers and volunteers.
Expect:
🎭 Broadway-level choreography
🎨 Exquisite animation and backdrops
🎼 Soul-stirring classical and fusion music
🌺 Mesmerizing costumes and props
⚡ Captivating stunts and visual storytelling
This is where art meets impact, where every movement speaks of both tradition and transformation.
❤️ Vision-Aid: Art With Purpose
Founded in 2004, Vision-Aid is a U.S.-based nonprofit committed to restoring dignity, independence, and opportunity to individuals with vision-related disabilities — particularly in underserved communities across India.
Their programs in assistive technology, low vision rehabilitation, education, and advocacy make a lifelong difference in the lives of children, youth, and adults.
Your Ticket = Their Vision
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👁️ $30 = Vision screening + optical device
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🤖 $50 = Electronic mobility aid
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📚 $75 = Braille STEM books for blind students
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🔍 $100 = Portable magnifier for students
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🧠 $250 = Full rehabilitation for a child with CVI
Whether you attend in person or stream the event virtually, your presence creates real change.
🏛️ Endorsed by the Commonwealth
This year’s production has received formal recognition and a warm welcome from Massachusetts Governor Maura T. Healey and Lieutenant Governor Kimberley Driscoll, who praised Vision-Aid’s mission and the power of cultural expression to advance equity and inclusion.
Their heartfelt message sets the tone for an event that transcends performance — a moment of pride for the entire community.
🎟️ Event Info & Tickets
📅 Date: Sunday, July 27, 2025
📍 Location: Collins Center for the Performing Arts, 100 Shawsheen Rd, Andover, MA
🌐 Virtual Access Available
🎫 Tickets: www.VisionAid.org/event
🌟 Why You Should Atten
This is not just a show. It is a cultural revival, a humanitarian mission, and a community celebration rolled into one unforgettable evening. If you love Bharatanatyam, epic storytelling, Indian heritage, or simply want to be part of something meaningful — this event is not to be missed. It's a rare chance to experience high-caliber performing arts while transforming lives.
Join hands with Vision-Aid.
Witness history, heart, and heritage come alive on stage.
Be part of the legacy.

Ascend Jiva Media, founded by the visionary Aashita Shekhar, is a soul-led platform where consciousness meets creativity. With a mission to inspire, uplift, and awaken, Ascend Jiva curates transformative content that enlightens, empowers, and elevates consciousness — through films, press features, reels, promotional videos, documentaries, and podcasts.
From soul-stirring event features to deeply reflective reviews of films, documentaries, and performances, Ascend Jiva Media reveals the hidden threads of wisdom woven into every story. Each piece of content is crafted not just to entertain, but to elevate awareness, ignite your inner light, and guide you on a journey of self-discovery, healing, and expansion. With a focus on spiritual depth and cultural richness, Ascend Jiva Media offers unique perspectives that reveal the light within every story — whether it’s a dance drama, a mindful interview, or a cinematic review. Each creation serves as a portal for inner growth, connection, and awakened living.
If you crave media that doesn’t just entertain, but evolves you, Ascend Jiva Media is your sanctuary for soulful transformation.
