Mysuru: ‘Champaka Rashtreeya Kalaa Utsava,’ the flagship event of Champaka Educational and Cultural Trust, Mysuru, celebrated the ‘Magha and Phalguna’ edition in this series on Phalguna Bahula Chaturdashi in March at Champaka Sabhangana in Ramakrishnanagar.

The evening started with ‘Aarambha Nritya’ by budding students of Champaka Academy learning Bharatanatyam at Jayalakshmipuram, Hebbal, Gokulam and Srinagar centres. They were trained by Vidu. Dr. Nagalakshmi Nagarajan and her disciples Shreya Vijay, Ananya Kemparaj and Pooja Janagowdar.

Mooshika Vahana, Bhagyada Lakshmi Baramma, alaripu and nritta items were performed by the students.  This was followed by ‘Vachana Nritya Saurabha’ (on Vachanas of Shivasharanas) by Dr. Nagalakshmi and her disciples. Vachanas of Sri Basavanna, Akkamahadevi, Chowdaiah, Kalavve and other rare compositions were chosen.

The event, jointly organised by Champaka Academy and Akhila Bharata Sharana Sahitya Parishat, Mysuru, was inaugurated by Dr. K. Raghuram Vajapeyee, a noted personality in the field of social service and presided by M.G. Sadanandaiah, President of the Parishat. The programme sponsor, Dr. H. Muddumallesh and Chandrakala Shivaprakashamurthy, were present on the occasion.

Dr. Raghuram spoke about the importance of Vachana Sahitya which gave the gist of vedanta in simple language during 12th century and lauded the efforts to portray it through dance. Dr. Nagalakshmi thanked Sadanandaiah and the Parishat for their efforts towards sustaining Vachanas of Shiva Sharanas.

Participants were acknowledged with appreciation certificate.