Rotary Club of Ludhiana Midtown gets Russian dancers for Diwali celebration

A female Russian dancer gyrating to catchy beats and a male dancer matching steps with her... It was a scintillating performance that evoked a mixed response from the audience. For, it was not a private party or just another commercial show. The event was organised by Rotary Club of Ludhiana Midtown to celebrate Diwali!

Most members condemned the event as according to them the club is meant to raise awareness on important social topics, to provide service to others, promote integrity and peace. Bringing in a Russian dance troupe on the occasion of Diwali was certainly not in sync with the ethos of the club, they said. According to them, a cultural evening would have been more befitting.

A member, on the condition of anonymity, said that the troupe of Joy and Iasira had come from Delhi. “The club has always been a forerunner in helping the needy, serving the society. But this kind of entertainment came as a shock. People did enjoy clicking photographs but once the programme was over, they condemned the office bearers for organising such an event. If we need such ‘entertainment’, we can have a private party.”

The president of the club, Ashwani Garg, said that it was Diwali event and the troupe was invited to entertain the members. Though he said he had no idea how much money was pumped into this event, he saw no issue with such a programme. He said, “Most members liked the event but you cannot make everyone happy. We organise many serious events. If this was held in a lighter vein, there should not be any major issue.”