Chief Guests
Dr P. K. Rajasekharan
Dr Rajasekharan is an eminent scholar, literary critic, historian, teacher, and orator. He was News Editor of the Mathrubhumi Daily before recently resigning to concentrate on his various other fields of work. He is the author of several books, including Pithrukhadikaram, Ekanthanagarangal, Vaakkinte Moonnamkara and Kathantharangal, and has been awarded the Kerala Sahithya Academy Award, Vilasini Award and Thoppil Ravi Award, amongst others.
Kalaimamani Smt Gopika Varma
Smt Gopika Varma is a celebrated Mohiniyattam dancer, previously a disciple of Smt Girija and Smt Chandrika Kurup. Her formal dance training was conducted by maestros such as Smt Kalamandalam Kalyanikkuttiyamma, Smt Sreedevi Rajan, and Sri Kalamandalam Krishnan Nair. She has performed in numerous stages in India and abroad, receiving several awards, including Kalaimamani from the Government of Tamil Nadu, Kaladarpanam Award, and Nritha Choodamani from the Nrithaganasabha.
Programme of Events
- Dasyam - A full length thematic presentation of Mohiniyattam by the Chief Guest Kalaimamani Smt Gopika Varma, in which the dancer portrayed the various stories of Lord Krishna. She presented the stories of Vilwamangalam Swamiyar and the old Kurooramma, amongst others and told how the Lord himself did “Dasyam” or servitude to his devotees.
- Darghas athava Tender (Drama): A political satire, which explored the possibility of a Mughal emperor coming alive in the 21st Century and planning to construct a monument in memory of his late wife. It dealt with his interactions and difficulties in dealing with the corrupt and incompetent bureaucratic machinery in the present time.
- Kapiccino: A Musical programme with a difference. Sruthi orchestra presents a musical voyage that combines the best of West, East, North and South to culminate in the rich flavours of Kerala.
- Abhimukham: Interview with the Chief Guest Sri P K Rajasekharan. Sruthi members Sojan Vasudevan and Lakshmi Renjeev spoke to the Chief Guest on stage and explored his ideas and thoughts about the cultural history of Kerala and beyond.
- Kavithayanam: Dance-Drama. A magical journey through the history of Poetry in Kerala from the time of Sangha period, until the recent times. Important literary works in different periods were showcased in the form of dance, music and drama. This was a huge project, probably the first of its kind in the world, and involved participation of over 60 artists
