Vol.18 No. 5 May - 2017 BEST FOOT FORWARD SPECIAL ART SHOW FROM MAY 19 Artist Ramakrishnan Narayanaswamy His love for life is reflected in the vibrant colours of his paintings; he is a nature lover and loves painting landscapes. There are no stark and dark shades to his works, yet all this belies a painful truth. Even if taking a few baby steps has not been possible for him, his mobility has never been an issue he enjoys travelling, 1 bhavanblrhns50@gmail.com
nature bringing out the optimist in him, with an even bigger smile. If one talks about the health issues of Ramakrishnan Narayanaswamy, it is only to hold him out as a fine example of cheerfulness and positivity, to lend hope to those in similar situations. It is impossible to sympathize with him because he has no grouse against life. Orthopaedicallyhandicapped, suffering from cerebral palsy, which has rendered him without control over his motor movements, RK, as he likes to call himself, is completely dependent on others for his daily activities. When schooling was ruled out for him, he put his high IQ and keen eye for observation to use. Solving rubik cube puzzles, building structures with lego sets and moving chess coins were his childhood pastimes. With his body being so disobedient, RK literally put his best foot forward, using his right foot to do it. His uncle, an 2
architect, paved way for his becoming an artist without realizing that the eggshells he bought his teenage nephew to paint on, would one day help bring out the creative person in him. Colours attracted RK, thus beginning his romance with paints, which continues even now at 47. A stipend from the Mouth and Foot Painting Artist Association is helping him to lead a dignified life. RK has had several solo exhibitions besides group shows in Taiwan and Singapore. He is putting up a show of his paintings at Bhavan s Bengaluru Kendra, acrylic on canvas and water colours being the media. Landscapes, in bright sunny hues, comprise a major chunk of the exhibits, RK s capturing of the famed scenic beauty of Austria and Switzerland also being on display. The exhibition will be inaugurated on May 19, at 5 pm by well-known artist S. G. Vasudev. Anu Jain, an artist who brings alive nature in all its glory in her water colours, will be the Guest of Honour. The event is being held under BVB-Infosys Foundation Outreach Programme. The exhibition will be on till May 27, between 11 am and 6 pm. Entry is free. - Jyothi Raghuram 3
LOOKING AHEAD AT 99 PUBLIC INTERACTION WITH H. S. DORESWAMY Abhinandana Samarambha to veteran freedom fighter H.S.Doreswamy on the occasion of stepping into his 100 th year by none other than highly revered public figure, Justice N. Santosh Hegde, former justice of the Supreme Court and the equally respected Mr. Chiranjeev Singh, former ambassador to UNESCO. His sharp quotes to the media, his fight for justice, ranging from social to environmental issues, and his entering his 100 th year now continue to keep freedom fighter H. S. Doreswamy in the news, for the right reasons. Vocal and forthright in his views, and a sincere volunteer for public causes, Sri. H.S. Doreswamy his open mind, optimism, enthusiasm and energy, propelled more by will power at his age, are facets of his personality not completely visible. One among the few living legends of the pre-independence era and the Quit India movement, Mr. Doreswamy has in him a hundred years of life experiences, especially as a freedom fighter. Even as he completed his graduation, this fearless young man got actively involved in the Quit India movement, and was jailed along with his brother for over a year. To bring to fore many unknown facets of his public life, and the zeal with which ordinary people fought the British and sacrificed so much in their life, Bengaluru Bhavan has organized a rare interactive session with the centurion on May 1. The event is not a talk-based programme; it is an informal interaction with Mr. Doreswamy, where the public can put their queries to him. Those interested in participating may please register their names at Bhavan before the event. The programme is at Khincha auditorium of the Bhavan, at 11am. - JR 4
Kannada cinema came in for some introspection last month, even while creating ripples with the statement that the heroines for Kannada films had to be imported from Mumbai, despite a history to the contrary, where heroines from the South including from Karnataka had made it big in Hindi cinema. At a function at Bhavan last month, to confer the Padmabhushan Dr. B. Saroja Devi National Award on multilingual star, Abhinaya Sharade Jayanthi, senior actor and politician Ambarish bemoaned that actresses from Mumbai who could not utter a single dialogue in STARRY MEET Kannada, were being promoted in Kannada films. The excuse of dearth of female talent among Kannadigas had resulted in denial of opportunities for local talent, he said. In her award acceptance speech, Jayanthi recalled the encouragement and support she received from Saroja Devi when she entered the film world. The latter reminisced that their friendship which began then, had continued over the decades, showing the camaraderie that existed among actors those days. Karnataka Chalanachitra Academy President Abhinaya Sharade Jayanthi being honoured by B. Saroja Devi. Ambarish, Sa Ra. Govindu, Rajendrasingh Babu and N. Ramanuja look on. 5
B.Saraoja Devi and ayanthi, honouring Ambarish S.V. Rajendra Singh Babu, and Karnataka Film Chamber of Commerce President Sa.Ra. Govindu spoke BVB Chairman Sri N. Ramanuja welcomed the gathering. B. Saroja Devi being honoured by N. Ramanuja 6
BVB-INFOSYS FOUNDATION CULTURAL OUTREACH PROGRAMMES : FEB & MAR, 2017 A total 246 programmes featuring 1757 artistes attracting an approximate 57,000 audience has been the sum total of Bharatiya Vidya Bhavan-Infosys Foundation Cultural Outreach programme since its launch in February 2015. Notable programmes like Dhanda nata Odissi Sangeet- Mardal Badana Dasakathi Dance Sriyachandaluni Getavinaya and Lankapodi Jatra (mask play) were organized by Bhubhaneshwar Kendra (Odisha). Traditional art forms Kuthirakali, Kuruthiyattam, folk arts like Nadan Pattu, Bhairavi Kolam, Theyyam and Aadivasi dance, and Koodiyattam were organized by the Thiruvananthapuram Kendra (Kerala). Folk arts like Dhimsa and Mathuri dance, and Yakshaganam were organized by Hyderabad Kendra (A.P/ 7 Telengana). Katak Nrutyang and Dhrupad Dhamar were held by the Ahmedabad Kendra (Gujarath). Programmes like Saathvan- Sanskrutik Vaarasachi, Golden Memories, Kirtan Jugalbandi, Natyasangitatil Lokdhara and Narmad Lahari were organized by Pune Kendra (Maharashtra). A spectacular music recital using traditional musical instruments, - Glimpse of Rajasthan, an extinct art folk drama of Bikaner, Rammat, traditional art Phad of Rajasthan were organized by Jaipur Kendra (Rajasthan). Hindustani classical music, percussion programme, santoor concert and Bharatanatyam were conducted by Kolkatta Kendra (West Bengal & Agarthala). A six day music festival was organized by the Trichy Kendra (Tamilnadu) which gave opportunities to young artistes to showcase their talent.
Danda Nata by Sailendra Kumar Acharya & troupe held on Feb 20, at Hyderabad ODISHA 20/02/2017 - Danda Nata was presented by Sailendra Kumar Acharya and troupe. The most ancient and indigenous of all Odisha s folk dances is Danda Nata. Though the older tradition is still continued, it has inspired a number of folk plays which grew in later years for the entertainment of rural folk. Danda Nata has always been a part of the religious culture of Odisha. 06/03/2017- Dasakathi dance and Sriyachandaluni Getavinaya was presented by Rabi Narayan and Bikram Sahu and troupe. This indigenous form of ballad - singing in Odisha is known as Daskathia. It owes its name from Dasakathi, also called as Ramtali, a pair of castanets of wooden clappers. The Daskathia Dasakathi Nata by Rabi Narayan Satapathy and Sisira.Ku.Satapathy held on Mar 6 at Bhubhaneshwar 8
Lankapodi Jatra (Mask Play) by Ramleela Natya Sangha held on Mar 20, at Bhubaneshwar group consists only of two persons, a singer and his assistant popularly known as Palia. He bears equal importance for his wit and humor to make the singing lively. Based on Laxmi Purana, Shreeya Chandaluni is a successful theatrical performance on Lord Jagannath. 20/03/2017- Lankapodi Jatra (mask play) was presented by Sri Ramleela Natya Sangha. Rama Leela popularly known as Lankapodi Jatra of Bisipada village, is most colorful, elaborate and typically celebrated for 12 days. It is in the form of a pantomime with wooden masks. KERALA 28/02/2017- Kuthirakali was presented by Kathoda Nadan Kalasamithi, Vellangallur. Kuthirakali is a traditional art which is performed and practiced by ethnic cultural groups in Kerala. A group of singers sing songs and the dancers carry a model of a horse which is made Kuthirakali by Kathoda Nadan Kalasamithi, Vellangallur held on Feb 28, at Irinjalkuda 9
from coconut palm leaves and bamboo sticks on their shoulder. They make rhythmic movements synchronized with music and drumbeats. 01/03/2017- Kurathiyattam was presented by K.P. Nandipulam and party. It is a performance based on the Sivapurana story of Kuravan and Kuravathi. Due to a bad omen (Sani), Lord Shiva and Parvathy were cursed as Kuravan and Kuravathy who normally live in jungles and selling beads etc., Kurathiyattam by K.P. Nandipulam & party held on Mar 1, at BVB Vidya Mandir, Kodagullur on streets. This was noticed by Goddess Mahalakshmi. She with the permission of her husband Mahavishnu disguises herself as Kurathy and follows the real Kurathysani in the form of Kuttalan attacks Kuravan and Kurathy. Kuravan fights and kill Kuttalan in the battle. Finally both Siva and Parvathy go together to the Kailasam. 18/03/2017- Koodiyattam was presented by Srikalamandalam Rama Chakyar and party. Koodiyattam is a classical art form of Kerala. A demonstration and workshop was held. Koodiyattam by Kalamandalam Rama Chakyar and party held on Mar 18 at Ramanattukara 10
Yakshaganam by Gaddam Kasaiah and party held March 4, at Hyderabad Subhadra Dhanarajayam was presented, when Arjuna meets Subhadra and is enchanted by her beauty. Mizhavu, an instrument, was used during the programme. ANDHRA PRADESH AND TELENGANA 17/02/2017 - Dhimsa dance & Mathuri dance was presented by Smt.Sandhya and group. The dances stole the hearts of the students of Bhavan s schools, in the fully packed auditorium. 04/03/2017 Yakshagana was presented by Sri Gaddam Kasaiah and party. This is traditional theatre form that combines dance, music, dialogue, costume, make-up and stage techniques with a unique style. This theatre style is mainly found in coastal districts of Karnataka. Yakshagana literally means the song (gana) of the nature spirits (yaksha). Yakshagana is performed by a dance and dialogue group on poetic epics. A group of 12 artistes performed virataparvam from the Mahabharata. Dhimsa Dance by Sandhya & Group held on Feb 17, at Hyderabad 11
Kathak Nrithyang directed and choreographed by Lakshmi. G. Pradeep, held on Feb 5, at Ahmedabad GUJARAT 05/02/2017- Kathak Nrutyang was directed and choreographed by Smt. Lakshmi. G. Pradeepprorha- Training and Performing Art Centre. It was a unique classical dance based performance titled, Kathak Nrutyang wherein eight artistes performed classical dance. The performance included a prayer Lord Ganesha a Shiva Stuti, and a Kabirdas pada, Ramachandra Bhajman Krupalu. 04/03/2017- Dhrupad Dhamar was presented by Sri. Chintan Upadhyay and party. The classical vocal programme focused on an ancient style Dhrupad, titled as Dhrupad Dhamar. There was an informative interaction with the audience on the importance of the guru-shishya tradition. Dhrupad Dhamar by Chintan Upadhyay and Party, held on Mar 4, at Ahmedabad 12
MAHARASHTRA 02/02/2017- Saathvan- Sanskrutik Vaarasachi was presented by Saradnee group, a group of female artists from Pimpale Saudagar, District Pune. This programme showcased various traditional games, play bsed on folk music and folk dance of Maharashtra. All artist are having rural background. 10/02/2017- Golden Memories was presented by Samvadini, a group of female singers directed by Smt. Aparna Rahurkar. Some 36 female singers ranging from ages 35 years to 80 years, participated in this wonderful musical programme of old Marathi and Hindi songs viz. Lokgeet and Bhavgeet. 17/02/2017- Kirtan Jugalbandi was presented by Smt. Anjali Karhadkar and Miss. Shivani Karhadkar. Saathvan-Sanskrutik Vaarasachi by Saradnee group a group of female artistes from Pimpale Saudagar, District Pune, held on Feb 2, at Pune. Golden Memories by Samvadini a group of female singers directed by Smt.Aparna Rahurkar held on Feb 10, at Pune Kirtan is an age-old popular form of folk art of Maharashtra. Kirtan originated from Devarshi Narad. It is known as the Naradiya form of kirtan which gives Kirtan Jugalbandi by Anjali Karhadkar and Shivani Karhadkar held on Feb 17, at Pune 13
folk music in traditional musical plays called Natyasangeet. Natyasangitatil Lokdhara by a group of artists from Kalapini, Talegaon Dabhade, District pune, directed by Sampada Thite held on Mar 3, at Pune Narmad Lahari by adiwasi school students of Narmadalaya, Madhya Pradesh held on Mar 17, at Pune message through music and songs with moral and ethical stories. 03/03/2017- Natyasangitatil Lokdhara was presented by a group of artistes from Kalapini, Talegaon Dabhade, District Pune showcasing various forms of 17/03/2017 - Narmad Lahari was presented by adivasi school children of Narmadalaya, Madhya Pradesh. Narmad Lahari (Waves of Narmada River)- RAJASTHAN 27/02/2017- Glimpse of Rajasthan was presented by artistes from Banasthali Vidyapeeth. It was a spectacular display of music using traditional musical instruments, followed by folk singing and folk dances presented by thirty five artistes from Banasthali Vidyapeeth. Each artiste played instruments like khadtal, majeera, algoja, sindhi sarangi, israj, ravanhatta, kamayacha, morchang, bhapang, apang, ghungroo, nagada, dafli, chang, dhol, tasha, chimta, matka. Glimpse of Rajasthan by artistes from Banasthali Vidyapeeth held on Feb 27th at Jaipur 14
Bikaneri Folk drama Rammat by Sudesh Vyas and party held on Mar 5th at Bikaner 05/03/2017- Bikaneri folk drama Rammat was presented by Sri. Sudesh Vyas and party. Folk drama of Bikaner Rammat is nearly extinct art with only few families retaining the culture. Rammat is the traditional folk drama of Bikaner which incorporates the free expressions of various feelings of joy, grief, love, hatred etc through its own narrative styles and methods of presentation. Dated back to early nineteenth century Rammat has been a favorite form of entertainment over the years. 06/03/2017 - Traditional Phad of Rajasthan was presented by Sri. Sunil Joshi and party. It is in the verge of extinction with only few families of Rajasthan following this culture and tradition. A printed screen is placed behind the artists, storytelling continues with music and dance being played in background. Traditional Phad of Rajasthan by Sunil Joshi and party held on Mar 6, at Bikaner 15
Percussion Programme by Layavanyas N.Shankar & party held on Feb 18, at Kolkatta WEST BENGAL AND AGARTHALA 18/02/2017 - Percussion programme was presented by Layavanyas N.Shankar and party. It was a unique percussion of of mridangam, ghatam, sitar, violin and tabla with music enjoyed and appreciated by everyone present. People leaving the auditorium were commenting that the evening was wonderful and was a unique programme. 25/03/2017 - Santoor Concert and Bharatanatyam - Santoor concert by Sri. Haridas Alandode and troupe and Bharatanatyam by Smt.Carina Langfeldt. Sri.Haridas Alandode from Kerala, disciple of Pt.Shivkumar Sharma who mesmerized the audience with wonderful classical music. Bharatanatyam by Smt. Carina Langfeldt (Germany) with a perfection of Mudras and good expression. Santoor concert by Haridas Alandode and troupe held on Mar 25, at Kolkatta 16
Bharatanatyam by Carina Langfeldt held on Mar 25, at Kolkatta TAMILNADU As a part of Bhavan-Infosys Foundation Outreach Cultural programme a six day music festival was organized at Trichy in association with Sri Raghavendra Mutt, Srirangam to develop young talent on the occasion of Raghavendra Guru Bakthi Utsava. Various programmes like keyboardcarnatic music, violin duet, vocal concert, sitar duet, gave opportunities to ten young talented artistes and two visually challenged persons to showcase their talent. Keyboard- Carnatic music by R.Prakash & troupe held on Feb 27, at Raghavendra Mutt, Srirangam. Violin duet by Master. SA.Raghavasimhan, Selvi.S.A Rangapriya & troupe held on Feb 28th at Srirangam 17
Vocal Concert by R.Aadityarangan and troupe held on Mar 1, at Raghavendra Mutt, Srirangam Vocal Concert by Trichi Ramesh and troupe Mar 3, at Raghavendra Mutt, Srirangam Vocal Concert by Master. S.Srishankar and troupe held on Mar 5, at Raghavendra Mutt, Srirangam Sitar Duet concert by Rais Ustad Bale Khan, Ustad Hafiz Bale Khan and troupe held on Mar 4, at Raghavendra Mutt, Srirangam 18
BHAVAN-INFOSYS FOUNDATION OUTREACH CULTURAL PROGRAMMES : MAR, APR. Carnatic veena recital by Y G Srilatha J.P. Nagar, Bengaluru Mar 12. Bharatanatya by M.S. Archana, Atmika R. Reddy and Nikhitha M. at J.P. Nagar, Bengaluru, April 14. 19
DIGNITARIES VISIT TO BHAVAN ON 22.4.2017 Sri Ravi Shankar Prasad, Minister of Law & Justice and Electronics and Information Technology, Government of India, enrolling as Life Member of BVB, while Prof P.J. Kurien, Deputy Chairman of the Rajya Sabha, H.N. Suresh, Director, BVB, K.G. Raghavan Hon. Secretary BVB, looks on. Sri Ravi Shankar Prasad, Minister of Law & Justice and Electronics and Information Technology, Government of India, going through Bhavan s Journal. From (R to L)H.N. Suresh, Director, BVB, Prof P.J. Kurien, Deputy Chairman of the Rajya Sabha and Justice M.N. Venkatachaliah, Former Chief Justice of India. 20
GANDHI INSTITUTE OF COMPUTER EDUCATION AND INFORMATION TECHNOLOGY : CONVOCATION -2017 Dr. Wooday P. Krishna, Hon. General Secretary, Seshadripuram Educational Trust being honoured by H.N. Suresh. Also in the Pic. Rtn. Pradeep Visvanathan, President, 2016-17 Rotary Bangalore Indiranagar and Rtn. N. Sivasankaran, Director, Vocational Service Avenue, Rotary Bangalore Indiranagar Dr. Sureshwaraiah, Cardiologist pose with the certificate after receiving from Dr. Wooday P. Krishna 21
FOR YOUR BOOK SHELF Contact : Pusthaka Bharathi Bharatiya Vidya Bhavan No. 43, Race Course Road, ad, Bengaluru - 560 001 Ph : 22267421 / 22267303 / 22280840 Cell : 9880087173 22
Mon 11.00 a.m. - Khincha Hall 01. Abhinandana Samarambha for stepping into his 100th year to Veteran Freedom Fighter Sri H.S. Doreswamy (for details please see page : 4) Fri 5.00 p.m. - KRG Hall 05. Sri G V Bhave and Smt. Lakshmi Bhave Endowment programme Carnatic vocal concert by Vid.Sreeram Sastry & Party Fri 6.30 p.m. - Khincha Hall 05. ICCR Every Friday Evening cultural music programme Kannada Play by Sri. S. Thilakaraj & Troupe Sun 11.00 a.m. - ESV Hall 07. Book release of the book titled Hoobathi authored by Smt. Sailakshmi Tue 10.30 a.m. - Khincha Hall 09. Book launch of C.T. Joshi s Suddigagi Swabhimanada Bali? Fri 6.30 p.m. - KRG Hall 12. ICCR Every Friday Evening cultural programme Odissi dance recital by Ms.Sowmya Lohith Sat 6.30 p.m. - Khincha Hall 13. Horizon series - Bharatanatya dance recital by Smt. Shilpa Nanjappa (in association with Indian Council for Cultural Relations) PROGRAMME : MAY - 2017 Fri 6.30 p.m. - KRG Hall 19. ICCR Every Friday Evening cultural programme Veena Recital by Ms. Anuradha Madhusudhan Fri & Sat 5.00 p.m. - ESV Hall 19 & 27. BVB -Infosys Foundation Outreach programme: Painting Exhibition Artist : Sri Ramakrishnan Narayanaswamy foot artist. Chief guest : Sri. S. G. Vasudev Guest of Honour : Kum Anu Jain (for details please see cover story) Sat 6.00 p.m. - 20. BVB -Infosys Foundation Outreach programme : Dance recitals : Mohiniyattam by Ms. M Shrruthi. Bharatanatya by Shruti Suresh Venue : Indiranagar Sangeetha Sabha Fri 6.30 p.m. - KRG Hall 26. ICCR Every Friday Evening cultural programme Light Music by Smt.Vimala Srinivasa Murthy 23
BOOK POST May - 2017 24 JYOTHI RAGHURAM