Mysore/Mysuru: The ‘Maagha’ edition of ‘Champaka Rashtreeya Kalaa Utsava’ was held on Mar. 16 at the Champaka Academy premises in Ramakrishnanagar, with Bharatanatyam performances from accomplished artistes from Mysuru and Bengaluru.

The evening started with Vidushi Dr. Nagalakshmi Nagarajan, Founder of Champaka Academy, Mysuru, presenting a feature based on “Srimad Adishankara’s Kanakadhaara,” that showcased the great Saint Adi Shankaracharya and the episode in his life (based on Sri Shankara Digvijaya by Sri Madhava Vidyaranya) that led to this composition.

Vidu. Veena Gangadhar, Founder and Director of Natya Taranga Nrityalaya, Bengaluru, along with her disciples, presented a feature that started with Pushpanjali and followed by famous compositions like “Vatapi ganapatim bhajeham”, “Bho Shambo Shiva Shambo” and more. They concluded their programme with a tillana.

Disciples of Guru Vidu. Dr. Sheela Sridhar, Founder and Director of Bharatanjali Nritya and Yoga Trust, Mysuru, presented an excellent performance that included “Saraswathi Stuti”, “Alaripu”, “Natanam Aadinar” and other compositions, and concluded with a tillana to the hearty appreciation from the audience. They were also trained by Vidu. Shashwathi, daughter and disciple of Dr. Sheela Sridhar for this event.

B.N. Pramodh, Co-Founder of AcademiAI and Dr. Sushma Krishnamurthy, renowned General & Laparoscopic Surgeon, Mysuru, were the chief guests.

Pramodh emphasised the importance of pranayama and meditation in maintaining good physical and mental health along with arts like dance and music.

Dr. Sushma spoke about the importance of art and dance in one’s life and how it helps in brain development as well as nurture cultural values. All performers were given a certificate of appreciation by the guests.