Dr. Ananda Shankar Jayant is a multifaceted personality who effortlessly navigates the realms of administration, academics, and the arts. Renowned as one of India’s foremost classical dancers, choreographers, and dance scholars, she leads an acclaimed ensemble while also grooming the next generation of Bharatanatyam artists. Her remarkable contributions to the field of classical dance have been acknowledged with prestigious awards such as the Padma Shri in 2007 and the Sangeet Natak Akademi Puraskar for Bharatanatyam in 2009. Additionally, Dr. Ananda Shankar Jayant is a sought-after motivational speaker, captivating audiences with her insights on various subjects across corporate entities, educational institutions, and other platforms. Her TED talk, ranked among the 12 Incredible TED talks, stands as a testament to her ability to inspire and engage.
In her pursuit of blending technology with the arts, Dr. Ananda Shankar Jayant has conceptualized groundbreaking initiatives such as Natyarambha, a pioneering digital arts project that offers a Bharatnatyam practice app used by students and gurus worldwide. Her innovative digital product, Kutty Kahani, has garnered attention, even drawing praise from Prime Minister Narendra Modi in his ‘Man ki Baat’ address in June 2023. Beyond her artistic endeavors, Dr. Ananda Shankar Jayant has also served the Ministry of Railways in a senior capacity.
Under her artistic leadership, Shankarananda Kalakshetra has flourished into a premier institution for classical dance in Hyderabad since its establishment in 1979. As the institution commemorates its 40th year, it continues to uphold its commitment to promoting the performing arts on a national scale. Shankarananda Kalakshetra’s dance productions encompass a diverse range of themes, from traditional mythologies to contemporary social issues, showcasing the richness and versatility of Indian classical arts.
One of the hallmark events organized by Shankarananda Kalakshetra and Natyarambha is the Ramayana Kalpavrksam festival. This year the festival is scheduled to take place from 29 March 2024 to 31 March 2024, at the CCRT Campus, Madhapur, Hyderabad. This three-day extravaganza promises to captivate audiences with its dynamic lineup of performances, insightful discussions, immersive workshops, book releases, and more.
The festival’s evening events, collectively titled ‘Rama Rasa,’ will feature mesmerizing performances by esteemed artists. From Shankarananda Kalakshetra’s rendition of ‘Sri Rama Namam- Entha Ruchi Ra’ to Aayana Dance Company’s ‘Dhruva – Songs of Faith,’ the audience will be treated to a melange of classical and contemporary dance forms. Additionally, Vinaya Varanasi and Vivek Sadashivam will present ‘Sri Rama Raksha,’ blending storytelling with music, while Indosoul by Karthick Iyer will enthrall with their musical evening, ‘Rejoice in Raghu.’
In addition to performances, the festival will host thought-provoking talks by eminent speakers such as Dushyant Sridhar, Swati Goel Sharma, and Shefali Vaidya, exploring various facets of the Ramayana and its relevance in contemporary times. Furthermore, immersive arts workshops led by experts like Dr. Anupama Kylash and Uday Shreyas will provide participants with hands-on experiences in dance ideation and Sanskrit chanting.
Special sessions, including a meet-and-greet with renowned dancer Chitra Visweswaran and a book release of ‘Babur – The Chessboard King,’ will add to the festival’s allure. Attendees can also explore the artisan corner and bookshop, showcasing exquisite handicrafts and literary works.
With its diverse array of offerings, Ramayana Kalpavrksam 2024 promises to be an unforgettable celebration of Indian arts and culture. Audiences are encouraged to register for the event at www.ramayanakalpavrksam.com and immerse themselves in a three-day extravaganza that celebrates the timeless epic of the Ramayana through the prism of art and scholarship. Don’t miss this opportunity to experience the magic of the Ramayana brought to life by some of the country’s most esteemed artists and scholars.
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