Chief Guests
Smt. K. R. Meera started her career as a journalist in the Malayala Manorama daily. She is one of the prominent writers in current Malayalam literature. She has written several novels including the Vayalar award winning novel "Aarachar" and many short stories. Her journalistic narration and unparalleled depiction of the strong and intense female characters etch their eternal presence in our mind. She proclaims herself fundamentally a feminist, humanist, environmentalist and socialist. She has won numerous awards including the Kerala and Kendra Sahithya Academy, Vayalar and Odakkuzhal awards.
The programmes presented on the Day
- Ashtalakshmi – Dance. An ode to the eight different avatars of the Goddess Lakshmi, this dance explored the myriad of expressions of the human faith- the journey to find courage, strength, wisdom and wealth. This dance performance showcased a variety of Indian classical dance forms including Bharatanatyam, Mohiniyattam, Kuchipudi, Kathakali and incorporates elements of Kalari, folk and contemporary dance forms.
- Nadasalabhangal – Children’s Music programme- Young musicians of Sruthi on stage singing Malayalam and English songs most melodiously with accompanying live orchestra.
- Tharangam- Dance. A comparative demonstration of the three south Indian classical dance forms – Bharatanatyam, Mohiniyattam and Kuchipudi.
- Ragam Thaalam Layam –A musical journey to explore the three terms that define the very essence of Indian music - Ragam, Thaalam, Layam. The programme tried to discover the mystic beauty of the twin Ragas – Kalyani and Yamuna Kalyani, followed by a demonstration of the popular rhythms (Thaalams), linked by melodious improvisation (Layam)
- Kalyanasougandhikam – Dance. Thematic Bharatanatyam recital based on Vayalar Ramavarma’s poem “Kalyanasougandhikam” which tells the story of Droupadi being enamoured by the mysterious fragrance of the flower and Bheema with extreme self-esteem setting off to get the flower, meeting Hanuman on his way
- Aarachar – Drama. An adaptation of the award-winning novel “Aarachar” written by Smt. K. R. Meera. Written on the background of Kolkatta, the story narrates the inner struggles of the young and bold Chetana, from a family of executioners, who inherits the profession from her father.
