Kathak Dance Education: Contemporary Systems, Problems and Suggestions (Set of 2

Dr. Rajeev Indramani Jha has carved a niche in the field of dance, culture and education as a 'Scientific Artist cum an Artistic Teacher Educator, He has the experience of teaching Kathak Dance for over 20 years along with the experience of teaching Science, Educational Psychology and Educational Research at B.Ed./M.A. (Edu.) level for over 15 years. He is a recognised Post-Graduate Teacher of the University of Mumbai. He is a trained teacher in 'Cultural Education' by the 'Centre for Cultural Resources and Training (CCRT), New Delhi,

Dr. The has been awarded Ph.D. (Dance) by the 'Indira Kala Sangit Vishwavidyalaya, Khiaragarh, Chattisgarh' in 2008. He is a double post-graduate in Science (1995) and Education (1998) both from the University of Mumbai. He has qualified the SET for Lectureship in Education (1998) in the first attempt. He has completed 'Sangeet Alankaar in Kathak dance (1994) from Akhil Bharatiya Gandharva Mahavidyalaya Mandal. He has been trained in Kathak Dance by eminent Ourus such as Dr. Manjiri Deo, Padmashri Natraj Pt. Gopi Krishna and Dr. Puru Dadheech. He has completed 'Nritya Visharad in Bharatnatyam dance (1992) under the able guidance of Ms Madhuri Kelkar. In addition, he has been trained for three years in Odissi dance under the personal tutelage of Guru Nathar Maharana. Dr. Jha has been conferred with the prestigious awards of "Shringaar Mani" by Sur Singar Samsad, Mumbai, as well as "Vipra Gaurav" by Maharashtra Vipra Mitra Mandal, Mumbai.

Dr. Jha has conducted several lecture-cum-demonstrations, seminars and workshops as well as presented/published research based papers/articles at local, national and international levels on dance, culture, value-based education, educational management, innovative teaching methods in Science, etc. He has been an associate editor of two books, Hailing from illustrious family of teachers, Dr. Jha is happily married to Mrs Archana Jha (née Mishra), a Hindustani Vocalist (M.Music from Bhatkhande Music Institute, Deemed University, Lucknow) and has a doting little son, Master Devmani Jha.

At present, he works with the Bombay Teachers' Training College, Colaba, Mumbai, as a senior teacher educator. Dr. Jha is also pursuing his second Ph.D. (Arts) in Education wherein he is developing a Pedagogical Strategy based on Aesthetic Approach to teach Science. He aims to research the Indian cultural artistic heritage, especially in education. To this end, his endeavours have improved the quality of teacher education at his college and University of Mumbai as well as of dance education in institutions of repute.