A scene from Third Eye. A Telegraph picture

Third Eye, a Manipuri ballet choreographed by Kh. Lingjelthoibi, was staged at the Jawaharlal Nehru Dance Academy auditorium in Imphal on September 8. The intention was to spread the message of education under the National Literacy Mission.

The ballet presented the story of Eklavya from the Mahabharat to spread the message that where there is a will, there is a way.

Eklavya, a poor untouchable, had a hunger for knowledge and learnt archery by practising in front of an idol of Guru Dronacharya, the famous teacher of the Pandavas and Kauravas.

One day, Eklavya was confronted by some princes who had come to the forest where he lived. A clash ensued and he defeated them.

When Guru Dronacharya asked who his master was, Eklavya replied that he had sculpted an earthen idol of the guru and practised archery in front it.

Dronacharya, who used to teach the skill of handling weapons only to members of royal families, was impressed but sought Eklavya’s forefinger as gurudakshina (the tradition of repaying one’s teacher or guru after a period of study).

Eklavya immediately cut off his forefinger, the use of which is mandatory in archery, and offered it to Dronacharya.

The choreography of the ballet was excellent. Kh. Lingjelthoibi, who is doing her post-graduation in Manipuri Lai Haraoba at J.N. Dance Akademi, trained her artistes very well indeed. Costume designer Laisharam Sarat gave the ballet a classic look. Background singer Kumari Pintu Devi enthralled the audience with her melodious voice. The script was written by Biswamitra K.

As part of the National Literacy Mission, the ballet aimed at educating members of backward communities as well as adults about the benefits of education in leading a successful life and helping society progress.

Although the ballet was impressive, it had been a challenge for the Manipur adult education department to spread education through a primarily non-verbal performing art form.