Mysore/Mysuru: Nritya Vidyapeeta, Mysuru, has organised its 16th Anniversary celebrations at Kalamandira in city on Dec. 15 at 5 pm.

As part of the celebrations, the institution will present two major productions: ‘Nartana Vrikshavali – 2025’ and ‘Ashtavidha Nayikeyara Kathana – A Visual Poem.’

Nearly 100 students from various branches of Nritya Vidyapeeta, ranging in age from 4 to 40, will participate and showcase their skills through these performances.

Under the guidance and artistic direction of Guru Vidu. C.N. Anitha, Vidwat-level students will present ‘Ashtavidha Nayikeyara Kathana’ with an innovative choreographic interpretation, enriched by expressions in the Nadu Kannada dialect.

As part of the annual tradition, Nalini Kumari Devayira (Kodagu) — recipient of the Bharata Kesari Award and retired officer of the Indian Reserve Police with 21 years of service — will be honoured                                                          with the prestigious ‘Bharata Kesari – 2025’ award for her distinguished contribution to national service.

The programme will be inaugurated by Natyacharya Prof. K. Ramamurthy Rao, senior dance guru and recipient of the Karnataka Rajyotsava Award-2025. Dr. M.D. Sudarshan, Assistant Director, Department of Kannada and Culture, will preside over the function.

Shobha Balakrishna, G.K. Kamala and Guru Vidu. C.N. Anitha will be the distinguished guests.

To encourage excellence, Pratibha Puraskar will be presented to 16 meritorious students who have secured outstanding results in Bharatanatyam examinations conducted by KSGH Music and Performing Arts University and brought laurels to the institution.

The artistic team for the event includes: Choreography & Direction and Nattuvanga – Guru Vidu. C. N. Anitha, Vocal – Vid. V. Suraj Lal (Kerala), Nayana Nagaraj (Mysuru), Mridanga – Vid. Kalamandalam Jithin Jaimon, Flute – Vid. Srihari Kottakkal, Rhythm Pad – Gurudath Hunsuru, Comperes – K.G. Amitha and M.K. Shobha.