Bharatham – A Celebration for a Worthy Cause

“The best way to find yourself is to lose yourself in the service of others” – Mahatma Gandhi

Natyamani School of Dance based in Westborough, MA has long served as a beacon of cultural excellence for the Indian community in the greater Boston area.  The school’s founder and artistic director Sridevi Ajai Thirumalai, an acclaimed Bharatanatyam dancer deeply rooted in the pure traditions of the art, has dedicated herself to propagating the divine art form to her students for the past 25 years.  While the primary mission of Natyamani School is to promote and propagate the rich and divine art of Bharatanatyam to the community, over the years it has embarked on a social mission as well that includes raising community awareness for traditional arts and raising funds for charitable organizations in New England and India through dance productions.

Therefore, it was fitting that the school recently celebrated the 25^th anniversary of its founding by organizing a celebratory dance event called Bharatham, and donated the proceeds from the event to The Akshaya Patra Foundation – an NGO that exemplifies the Gandhian principle of service to the needy.  The Natyamani School has a long-standing association with this noble organization that provides hot, freshly prepared mid-day meals to over 1.8 million children in 16,856 schools across 12 States and 2 Union Territories in India every day. 

The 3-hour celebratory event with a live orchestra was held at a packed auditorium in Joseph P. Keefe Technical High School, Framingham, MA. With an audience of approximately 500 attendees, the event showcased over 80 students of the school including beginners, senior students, alumnae who traveled from near and far, and a delightful performance by Guru Sridevi herself.  The months of meticulous preparation that went into the choreography of the various dance pieces were unmistakably evident in each routine – a hallmark of Natyamani programs. The event had two segments, each lasting about 1 ½ hours. 

The first segment started energetically with an invocation to Goddess Shakti by the senior students.  A medley of dances followed, with seamless transitions and perfectly choreographed exits and entries by various groups of students. The first half concluded with a nostalgic homage to Bhartanatyam by alumnae of the school. The song aptly described their dedication to the art form, and indeed reflected the sentiments of every dancer who was on that stage:

Ulagum Pugazhum Nattiya Kalayai Uyirai Madithe Vazhthiduvom
(We celebrate this world-renowned art form as dear to us as life itself!)

A brief intermission before the start of the second half showcased video clips from over the years, and heartfelt video tributes by students and parents – present and past – about the profound influence Natyamani has had in their lives and to the community at large.  The orchestra comprising Vidwans Mathur Srinidhi (Vocal), Srihari Rangaswamy (Mridangam), Narasimha Murthy Ramamishra (Flute) and Sudarshan Ajai Thirumalai (Rhythm pad) were honored, along with Vidushi Tara Bangalore.

The second half of the program, called Maya Kannan, was a thematic presentation about Lord Krishna, the master illusionist. One of the highlights of this segment was a brilliant solo performance by Guru Sridevi to the popular devarnama Baro Krishnaiya – a rare treat that the audience thoroughly appreciated. This was followed by a charming set of verses from the Thiruppavai composed by the Tamil poet saint Andal. The popular varnam in ragam Charukesi called Innum En Manam saw Guru Sridevi perform again – this time to join her senior students, much to the delight of the audience. A scintillating sequence of Meera bhajans followed. As the event concluded with a joyous thillana, the audience were left with an overwhelming feeling of the divine grace that has allowed this wonderful art form to flourish in the Boston area, thanks in no small part to the Natyamani School. It was, therefore, fitting that on this occasion, Guru Sridevi was honored with commendations for promoting art and culture in Massachusetts, one each from Governor Charlie Baker and Senator Elizabeth Warren.

It is said that the smallest act of kindness is worth more than the grandest intention. This event was a shining example - of children helping other children, of a community of parents coming together to organize the logistics, of the generosity of local businesses contributing raffle prizes and sponsorships, of volunteers working tirelessly on every little detail - from snacks for the dancers and guests, lobby and stage decorations, to organizing a raffle with several exciting prizes.  As Mother Teresa said so profoundly, “not all of us can do great things, but we can do small things with great love”.  This wonderful event raised $50,000 through individual contributions and matched funds - money that will help provide hot midday meals to approximately 2500 underprivileged schoolchildren in India for an entire academic year!

The Natyamani School, through Bharatham, provided the greater Boston community an opportunity to engage in a collective act of kindness whose fruits will be reaped by many needy school children who no longer have to choose between a meal and their education.  Samuel Johnson said, “Bounty always receives part of its value from the manner in which it is bestowed”.  The sponsors, participants and audience touched the lives of many young children in need while also celebrating in a grand manner, the dedication and achievements of the Natyamani dancers here in Boston.

|