Celebration of a Lifetime in Indian Classical Arts
RASA ARPITA (Academy for the Research and Performance of Indian Theatre Arts) will present Kala RASA Parampara Vaibhava on July 5, 2026, at Rukmini Arangam, Kalakshetra Foundation, Chennai, marking 55 years of artistic excellence and 40 years of Natyacharya excellence of Guru Dr. Ambika Kameshwar. Beginning at 4 PM, the event will celebrate the enduring traditions of Bharatanatyam while highlighting the importance of artistic continuity and inclusive participation in the performing arts.
Honouring the Guru-Shishya Tradition
The celebration centres on the timeless guru-shishya parampara, recognising how classical traditions continue to evolve through dedicated disciples and successive generations of artistes. One of the highlights of the evening will be the Natya RASA Parampara Bhushana Awards, instituted to honour distinguished second-generation Bharatanatyam artistes who have preserved and expanded the artistic legacies of their respective gurus.
The awards will be presented by:
- Dr. Sarada Natarajan, Ramana Maharshi Centre for Learning, Bengaluru
- Sri Harishankar, Narada Gana Sabha
- Sri Sekar, Kartik Fine Arts
Awardees Carrying Forward Artistic Legacies
This year’s honours recognise three accomplished Bharatanatyam artistes who continue the work of renowned dance institutions and gurus.
The recipients are:
- Smt. Sukanya Ravindhar, representing the legacy of Padma Shri and Sangeet Natak Akademi awardee Smt. Chitra Visweswaran’s Chidambaram Academy of Performing Arts, Chennai.
- Sri C. P. Satyajit, carrying forward the tradition of Padma Bhushan awardees The Dhananjayans through Bharata Kalanjali, Chennai.
- Smt. Aruna Rengasamy, preserving the artistic vision of Dr. Kalarani Rengasamy’s Ramana Natyalaya in Madurai and Melbourne.
The event will also be graced by Padma Vibhushan Dr. Padma Subrahmanyam as Principal Chief Guest and Sri Rajkumar Bharathi as Guest of Honour.
Bharatanatyam Performances Rooted in Original Compositions
The evening will feature specially curated Bharatanatyam presentations choreographed to original compositions by Dr. Ambika Kameshwar. These works, nurtured over several decades, will be performed by her disciples, students and affiliated academies, reflecting her long-standing contribution to classical dance education and choreography.
Highlights of the repertoire include:
- Arulin Atral
- Mayura Alaripu
- Hanuman Shabdam
- Ramayanam Varnam
- Margazhi Endral Enna
- Thaye Yashodai
- Anbu
- Thillana
Each presentation reflects RASA’s emphasis on preserving traditional aesthetics while making classical arts relevant to contemporary audiences.
Inclusivity at the Heart of the Celebration
A distinctive aspect of Kala RASA Parampara Vaibhava is its focus on inclusivity. The programme will feature performances by artistes with intellectual and visual challenges, reaffirming RASA’s philosophy that artistic expression should be accessible to everyone regardless of ability.
Speaking about the celebration, Dr. Vaishnavi Poorna, Deputy Director of RASA and daughter-disciple of Dr. Ambika Kameshwar, described the event as a tribute to a guru whose teachings have inspired generations to recognise the transformative power of the performing arts. Dr. Ambika Kameshwar noted that a guru’s greatest legacy lies in the commitment of disciples to preserve and carry forward artistic traditions while ensuring that art continues to unite communities and enrich lives.
About RASA
Founded by Sirappu Kalaimamani Dr. Ambika Kameshwar, RASA (Ramana Sunritya Aalaya) is a Chennai-based non-profit organisation dedicated to arts education, theatre-based learning and holistic development. Through its RASA CHETAS™ methodology, the organisation works with children, youth and adults across varying abilities, using theatre arts to nurture creativity, communication, confidence and social inclusion. Today, RASA reaches more than 375 individuals with differing abilities each year through workshops, performances and educational initiatives.
Event Information
| Event | Details |
| Name | Kala RASA Parampara Vaibhava |
| Honouree | Dr. Ambika Kameshwar |
| Celebration | 55 Years of Artistic Excellence & 40 Years of Natyacharya Excellence |
| Venue | Rukmini Arangam, Kalakshetra Foundation, Chennai (Google Map) |
| City | Chennai, Tamil Nadu |
| Date | July 5, 2026 |
| Time | 4:00 PM onwards |
| Organiser | RASA ARPITA (Academy for the Research and Performance of Indian Theatre Arts) |
| Entry | By Invitation |
Kala RASA Parampara Vaibhava will take place on Sunday, July 5, 2026, from 4 PM onwards at Rukmini Arangam, Kalakshetra Foundation, Thiruvanmiyur, Chennai. The celebration is open to invited guests and members of the arts community.
As the event commemorates the remarkable journey of Dr. Ambika Kameshwar, it also celebrates the enduring values of Indian classical arts-tradition, mentorship, artistic excellence and inclusivity. Bringing together eminent artistes, distinguished guests and emerging performers, Kala RASA Parampara Vaibhava stands as a tribute to a legacy that continues to inspire future generations while reinforcing the role of the arts in building a more compassionate and culturally enriched society.
