Mysore/Mysuru: ‘Champaka Rashtreeya Kalaa Utsava,’ the monthly cultural series to promote Indian art and culture, under the aegis of Champaka Educational & Cultural Trust, Mysuru, stepped into the second year. ‘Vaishakha’ edition was held on June 8 at the Champaka Academy premises in Ramakrishnanagar, showcasing Bharatanatyam performances from accomplished artistes from Udupi and Mysuru.

The evening started with the honouring of one of the most senior and towering personalities in the field of dance in the city, Dr. K. Kumar, Head of the Department of Dance, University College of Fine Arts, University of Mysore and his wife Dr. G. Malathy, renowned Senior Paediatrician, Department of Paediatrics, District Hospital, Mysuru, for their service to arts and culture in the city through their organisation Kumar Performing Arts  Centre (KPAC).

Monthly arts fest conducted by them — Intl. Nirantara Kalemane Festival — has run successfully for over 3 years now, giving a huge boost to the performing arts landscape at Mysuru.

In his speech after the felicitation, Dr. Kumar spoke about the importance of showing respect to the Gurus even in a small way and said it was really a pleasure that such traditions in our culture, if followed, would be an asset to the next generation. He also spoke about the importance of teaching children a sense of gratitude to parents and teachers and the importance of being role models for them.

Dr. Malathy spoke about the importance of learning arts along with studies and the benefits children gain by it.

Dr. C.A. Sreedhara, retired Principal of Maharaja’s College, University of Mysore, Mysuru, who was the chief guest on the occasion, spoke on the importance of a Guru for students in achieving their goals and lauded the commitment of Dr. Kumar in guiding many Ph.D students including Dr. P.K. Nagalakshmi Nagarajan, Founder of Champaka Academy. He and Dr. Kumar also congratulated Champaka Academy for completing one year of Champaka Rashtreeya Kalaa Utsava and giving opportunity to many performers. Thereafter the first dance presentation of the evening was by the disciples of Vidushi Pavana, Founder of Sharada Nrithyalaya, Marpalli, Udupi, followed by the disciples of Vidushi Arathi Arun, Founder and Director of Shri Ganesha Sangeetha Nrithyalaya Charitable Trust.

Vidushi Pavana and team performed Pushpanjali in nata raga, Ganesha stuti Gajananayutam of Dikshitar, Trimata kautvam, Devi Kriti, Bho Shambho. The final composition performed was the famous Tulasidas Bhajan, Sri Ramachandra Kripalu Bhajamana by Vidushi Pavana and was appreciated by the rasikas.

Students of Vidushi Arathi performed a shlokaanjali with prayers to the deities and the audience, a famous composition Shankara Srigiri composed by Swathi Tirunal Maharaja, a Suradas bhajan on Rasa Leela of Krishna and hindola tillana was the concluding piece that mesmerised the audience.