A Journey of Grace and Devotion: Shriya Dave's Arangetram 

Nashua High School North, Nashua, NH 

Shriya Dave's Arangetram was a radiant celebration of tradition, devotion, and blossoming artistry, a culmination of a decade-long journey marked by grace, rigor, and reverence.  As a disciple of Guru Smt. Preethi Ramesh, Shriya graced the stage with elegance, poise, and a radiance that captivated the audience from the very first moment. 

The evening opened with Pushpanjali in Ragam Saraswathi, an elegant floral offering invoking blessings from the Divine, the Guru, and the audience. It was a spiritually rooted start that reflected Shriya's grounded stage presence and set the tone for what was to unfold, a journey of expression, rhythm, and storytelling. 

In Shambhu Natanam, Shriya transported us to Chidambaram, bringing alive Lord Nataraja's cosmic dance through verses composed by Sage Patanjali. Her interpretation of the Ananda Tandavam, rooted in intricate karanas and Natya Shastra codified movement, showcased depth, precision, and a natural command of spiritual expression. Her ability to embody mythology with poise and energy was remarkable. Shriya's command over rhythm and her strong stage presence made this piece both mesmerizing and meditative.

Between classical pieces, the audience was treated to a special musical interlude by Shriya's younger brother, Aarav Dave, whose Carnatic vocal renditions—"Shyamale Meenakshi" and "Varade Veena Vadini" added a soulful and familial warmth to the evening. Under the guidance of Guru Smt. Aparna Balaji, Aarav's melodious voice and expressive phrasing revealed the family's deep-rooted musical heritage and shared devotion to the arts. 

The first half continued with a brilliantly executed Jathiswaram in Ragam Vasantha, where Shriya displayed rhythmic clarity and geometric precision. Her transitions were clean, her energy controlled, and her alignment with the percussion was sharp yet fluid.

A breathtaking interlude followed, a rare Sitar and Mridangam Jugalbandi, offering a confluence of Hindustani and Carnatic traditions. Dr. Samya Bhaduri's exploration of Raag Yaman (Ragam Kalyani) on the sitar was lyrical and evocative, weaving delicate meends and gamakas with the vocalism of his gharana. Srivatsan Mukunthraj, on the mridangam, complemented it with fluid rhythmic patterns and dynamic precision. This pairing was not only technically brilliant but emotionally resonant bridging two classical lineages in a deeply meditative moment that enriched the overall experience of the Arangetram. 

The centerpiece of the evening was the Varnam – Adi Sivanai, set in Ragam Todi and Adi Talam, a rare and resplendent composition revived by Guru Preethi Ramesh. With remarkable stamina, control, and expressive nuance, Shriya portrayed Nayika's yearning and reverence for Lord Shiva. The layered jathis, emotional arcs, and choreography were flawlessly rendered. It was a performance that elevated the stage, both as a feat of technique and as a heartfelt prayer.  

After a brief intermission, Shriya returned with Payo Ji Maine, where she embodied Meera Bai's joy and surrender. Her abhinaya here was deeply personal and spiritually charged, inviting the audience into the poet-saint's world of bhakti and transcendence. In Jal Kamal Chhandi Jane Bala, Shriya's storytelling reached a crescendo. She depicted Krishna's playful defiance, the fear of the Naginis, and the mythic victory over Kaliya, all with vibrant expression, delicate mudras, and captivating stagecraft. This delightful Gujarati folk piece is a ragamalika. With her expressive eyes and evocative gestures, she brought forth childlike innocence, motherly concern, and the eventual triumph of devotion.This folk legend, layered with ecological and spiritual meaning, was brought to life with clarity and charm. 

She concluded with a spirited Thillana in Ragam Surya, where pure dance took center stage. Her footwork was brisk, her expressions radiant, and her energy infectious. The evening closed with Mangalam, a graceful bow of gratitude, a gesture that felt deeply earned and universally shared. 

The evening was further graced by Guest of Honor, Dr. Subrata Das, whose presence added another layer of artistic appreciation, bridging classical dance with the broader world of Indian performing arts and literature. 

The orchestra ensemble was outstanding, featuring Guru Smt Preethi Ramesh and Sri. Kiran Pai in Nattuvangam, Sri. Rajesh Malayankandi, N. N. Sivaprasad, and Sangeetha Sudhaman on Vocals, Sri. Sudhaman Subramanian in Mridangam, Sri. Suresh Namboodiri on Violin, and Sri. Bishoy Aniyan on Flute. Their music elevated every piece, forming a deeply supportive and cohesive soundscape for Shriya's performance. 

As her Master of Ceremonies, I had the privilege of experiencing this Arangetram not just from the front row but from within the heartbeat of the event. The emotions, the artistry, the warmth of the family, and the perfection in orchestration made this not just a performance, but a memory etched in tradition and love. 

Shriya's journey is not only a testament to her dedication but also to the vision and nurturing of Guru Smt. Preethi Ramesh, whose artistry, rooted in the Vazhuvoorar style, infused each piece with elegance and spiritual depth. 

May Shriya continue to illuminate the stage as a proud bearer of this timeless tradition, bringing honor to her Guru, her school, and her beloved family for years to come. 

– Ramya Srinivasan 
Master of Ceremonies 

Credits 

MC: Ramya Srinivasan 
Makeup: Anu Metra 
Photography: Jeyakumar Sathyamoorthy 
Video: Manoj Panicker 
Light and Sound: Mark 
Event Decorator: Anitha Athipathi 
Brochure Design: Lavanya Selvaraj 

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