Vision-Aid’s “Brothers in Arms – The Lions of Sivaganga” Rocks New England

Year after year, Vision-Aid’s annual production has grown into one of New England’s most beloved community events — and on July 26, hundreds of devoted fans watched a cast of more than 90 dancers, actors, and musicians bring the saga of the Marudhu Brothers and Queen Velu Nachiar to life in Kalaimamani Madurai R. Muralidaran’s spectacular Broadway-style production

Some events on the New England calendar simply sell themselves: fans mark the date, families plan around it, and the Collins Center for the Performing Arts fills with a hum of anticipation. Vision-Aid’s annual show has earned that rare status, and on Sunday, July 26, 2026, the fans were rewarded once again. Supporters, sponsors, volunteers, and performers packed the hall as the nonprofit marked its 22nd anniversary with the Broadway-style dance production “Brothers in Arms: The Lions of Sivaganga.” Set in late-1700s India and told through the eyes of a remorseful British Colonel, the production brought to life the inspiring story of the Marudhu Brothers and Queen Velu Nachiar — the fearless ruler credited with raising the first women’s army — in an evening of powerful music, dance, drama, and storytelling that celebrated courage, culture, community, and compassionate service.

The moment the fans wait for: the full company of more than 90 dancers, actors, and musicians takes its final bow at the Collins Center for the Performing Arts in Andover.

The Magic Behind the Curtain

Every beloved tradition has its architects. At the creative helm stood Kalaimamani Madurai R. Muralidaran, who produced and choreographed the show, weaving music, dance, and drama into a sweeping historical epic that earned rave reviews from the New England community. Vision-Aid’s Founding Artistic Director Jeyanthi Ghatraju and Artistic Director Sripriya Natarajan Moorthy translated Murali Sir’s vision into a fabulous show through months of tireless planning, vision, and leadership.

They were joined by an exceptional team of senior dance teachers and mentors — Moumita Banerjee, Kalaimangai Anbalagan, Chitanya Gopu, Priyanka Joshi, Roopa Modha, Shilpa Narayanan, Manuel Jenkin Jerome, Thilaka Ramesh, and Thivya Sivarajah — whose commitment, talent, and artistry guided the extraordinary performers to a dazzling, polished production. Bringing a team of more than 90 dancers together on a single stage was a herculean effort over several months, and it would not have happened without them.

Queen Velu Nachiar (center, in blue) leads her women’s army — history’s first — in a stirring Bharatanatyam battle sequence.

The acting ensemble portrays the Marudhu Brothers and their warriors as the resistance takes shape.

Why the Fans Keep Coming Back: A Tapestry of Dance Styles

Longtime audiences have learned to expect a surprise or two, and this year delivered several brand-new features: elegant ballroom dancing, graceful Kathak by the Tarana School of Kathak, high-energy folk and tambourine numbers, and English narration and storytelling that carried the audience through the saga. The blend of styles — from classical Bharatanatyam to Viennese-style waltz — was brilliant and drew rave reviews.

A new feature for 2026: ballroom couples glide beneath a grand chandelier in the royal court.

Dancers of the Tarana School of Kathak swirl through the palace hall in one of the production’s most memorable tableaux.

“Standing proudly in defense of freedom, she waged war to protect our motherland” — Queen Velu Nachiar takes her stand.

Chief Guests and Community Honors

Chief Guests Kathy and Dhananjaya “Dan” Rao honored the evening with their gracious presence and an impactful speech that impressed one and all, reflecting their steadfast support of Vision-Aid’s mission to enable, educate, and empower people with visual impairments to live with independence and dignity.

Vision-Aid leadership welcomes Chief Guests Kathy and Dhananjaya “Dan” Rao on stage at the 22nd Anniversary celebration.

The 2026 Vision-Aid Ambassadors

One of the evening’s most cheered moments came when Vision-Aid honored its Ambassadors — artists who not only dedicated their time and talent to the show, but went above and beyond it: bringing awareness to the challenges faced by the visually impaired, championing the services Vision-Aid provides, and fundraising by selling tickets and inviting donations. The 2026 Vision-Aid Ambassadors are Jeyanthi Ghatraju, Saanvi Palarapu, Aditi Wadhwa, Akshita Koganti, Akshaya Shakthi Anand, Nora Reddy, and Ojovathi Joshi.

Congratulations to Vision-Aid’s 2026 Ambassador Medal Winners.

The Dream Team: More Than 90 Performers Strong

A standing ovation went to the entire company of more than 90 dancers, actors, and musicians, whose talent, discipline, months of hard work, and passion for Vision-Aid’s mission illuminated the stage. The acting ensemble featured Guru Anand, Rohit Chandra, Ravi Kaushik, Ramesh Kumar, Anil Matta, and Dhruv Koganti; Kathak performers from the Tarana School of Kathak; more than 40 young Bharatanatyam dancers from schools across New England; and folk dancers from the Amudhasri Dance School. The complete Dream Team is profiled here.

The 2026 Dream Team — the dancers, actors, teachers, and mentors of “Brothers in Arms: The Lions of Sivaganga.”

And behind every performer stood the true unsung heroes of the production — the parents. Their tireless support, countless sacrifices, encouragement, and steadfast presence for months — driving long distances, showing up to practice after practice, and supporting the show in countless other ways behind the scenes — made this achievement possible, and Vision-Aid’s gratitude to them is boundless.

Sponsors, Donors, and the Volunteer Backbone

Generous sponsors and donors made the evening possible, and their support enables Vision-Aid to continue educating, enabling, and empowering people with visual impairments across its centers in India and the United States. Every ticket purchased was a vote of confidence in both the arts and the cause.

Remarkable volunteer teams staffed the lobby, backstage, and production crews. Photography came from Veerappan Vs of VSSP Photography and Sanjay Kudrimoti and Vasudha Kudrimoti of Fotu Duniya – The Picture World, with videography by Nara Narayanan.

Culinary and Media Partners

Gourmet India, led by Vishal and Harshita Sood, provided excellent catering and delicious food that added warmth and hospitality to the evening. Community and media partners helped spread the word before and after the show: the India Association of Greater Boston (Nilesh Agrawal and Deepak Garg), Tamil Makkal Mandram, USA (Tamil Selvi Viswanathan, Subhasini Raman, and Guru Anand), India New England News (Upendra Mishra), Lokvani (Anil Saigal), IACNE – Indian American Community of New England (Praveen Misra), and IAL – Indian Americans of Lexington.

A Final Word of Thanks

Any omissions are unintentional; Vision-Aid extends sincere appreciation to everyone — dancers, sponsors, donors, performers, parents, volunteers, partners, and attendees — who worked tirelessly, often far from the spotlight, to create the magic of “Brothers in Arms: The Lions of Sivaganga” and to make the 22nd Anniversary celebration a night to remember. If the packed hall, the standing ovations, and the fans already asking about next year are any indication, New England’s favorite show with a heart will roar again.

About Vision-Aid

Vision-Aid’s mission is to enable, educate, and empower the visually impaired to live with independence and dignity. The organization delivers rehabilitation, education, and empowerment programs — including training in technology, accessibility, and professional skills — across locations in India and the United States. Details on Vision-Aid’s work and ways to lend support are available at www.VisionAid.org.