Akshara Aiyar, a dedicated disciple of the renowned Bharatanatyam exponent Priya Venkataraman, presented her Arangetram at the Triveni Kala Sangam. The event was a vibrant celebration of the enduring Guru-Shishya tradition, highlighting the deep bond between teacher and student.
Distinguished Guests Grace the Occasion
The evening was graced by Chief Guest Dr. Y. Theba Devi and Guests of Honour Prof M Srinivas, Member of Niti Aayog, and Prof. Shinjini Bhatnagar. Their presence and blessings added warmth and distinction to the occasion, underscoring the cultural significance of the event.
Akshara's Journey: Balancing Academics and Art
Akshara, a Class XII student of DPS Gurgaon, has trained under Priya Venkataraman for the past ten years. Throughout this period, she has successfully balanced academic excellence with a deep artistic commitment, showcasing her dedication to both her studies and her dance.
Priya Venkataraman: A Pillar of Bharatanatyam
Priya Venkataraman is a highly respected Bharatanatyam artiste with over three decades of performance and teaching experience. She is the Founder-Director of Nrityadiksha, an institution dedicated to preserving and promoting the classical dance form.
The Performance: A Journey Through Dance
The recital commenced with a traditional Pushpanjali, a floral offering to the deities, followed by a Ganesha Kauthuvam invoking the blessings of Lord Ganesha. The centrepiece of the performance was the evocative Swarajathi "Raave Himagiri Kumari" in praise of Goddess Kamakshi, choreographed by Smt. Priya Venkataraman herself. The second half featured the vibrant "Idadu Padam" in praise of Lord Shiva, the graceful "Aadinaye Kanna" depicting Krishna's divine dance in Vrindavan, and concluded with an energetic Tillana in Kadanakuthuhalam ragam, followed by Mangalam.
Live Orchestra Accompaniment
The recital was accompanied by a distinguished live orchestra, featuring Smt. Priya Venkataraman on nattuvangam, Shri Venkateshwaran Kuppuswamy on vocal, Manohar Balachandran on mridangam, G. Ragavendra Prasad on violin, Shyamala Bhaskar on veena, and Varun Rajashekaran on ghatam. Their collective expertise enriched the performance, creating a memorable experience for the audience.
