Chennai, July 7: Kala RASA Parampara Vaibhava concluded at Rukmini Arangam with a celebration of 55 years of artistic excellence and 40 years of Natyacharya excellence of Guru Dr. Ambika Kameshwar. Presented by RASA ARPITA, the event recognised second-generation Bharatanatyam artistes who continue the artistic traditions of their Gurus while highlighting the role of the performing arts in creating an inclusive cultural space. The programme brought together eminent artistes, scholars, disciples and members of the arts fraternity to honour a lifetime dedicated to classical dance, education and social inclusion.
Honouring the Guru-Shishya Tradition
One of the evening’s central moments was the felicitation of three second-generation Bharatanatyam artistes for preserving their Gurus’ artistic vision and strengthening the Guru–Shishya Parampara.
The awardees included:
- Smt. Sukanya Ravindhar (Chidambaram Academy of Performing Arts, Chennai)
- Sri C. P. Satyajit (Bharata Kalanjali)
- Smt. Aruna Rengasamy (Ramana Natyalaya)
The honours recognised their contribution to sustaining Bharatanatyam traditions through teaching, performance and mentorship. The event reinforced the importance of artistic continuity, with disciples carrying forward the values and repertoire inherited from their Gurus.
Inclusive Performances Take Centre Stage
Among the most memorable presentations were Anbu, performed by visually challenged artistes from Shri Ramana Maharishi Academy for the Blind, Bengaluru, and Margazhi Mahimai, presented by the RASA Stars, artistes with intellectual disabilities.
The performances reflected RASA’s long-standing belief that artistic expression transcends physical and intellectual barriers. Audiences responded emotionally, particularly to Anbu, which explored themes of compassion, resilience and human connection through Bharatanatyam.
Performance Highlights
- Anbu by visually challenged artistes from Shri Ramana Maharishi Academy for the Blind, Bengaluru
- Margazhi Mahimai by RASA Stars, featuring artistes with intellectual disabilities
- Performances by disciples of Dr. Ambika Kameshwar and successive generations of students
Tributes from Distinguished Guests
The celebration was attended by Padma Vibhushan Dr. Padma Subrahmanyam, musician Sri Rajkumar Bharathi, senior dancers, scholars and disciples.
Speaking at the event, Dr. Padma Subrahmanyam praised Dr. Ambika Kameshwar’s dedication to training visually challenged students, describing their presentation as an example of discipline, artistic excellence and compassion. She noted that the performance demonstrated how rigorous classical training could enable performers to transcend limitations and move audiences deeply.
Sri Rajkumar Bharathi highlighted Dr. Ambika Kameshwar’s optimism and positive influence, saying her work had inspired confidence not only among artistes but also within their families through the transformative power of the arts.
RASA’s Journey in Arts and Inclusion
Founded in 1989 by Dr. Ambika Kameshwar, RASA – Ramana Sunritya Aalaya is a Chennai-based non-profit organisation that uses theatre arts, dance and creative pedagogy for education and holistic development. Through its RASA CHETAS™ methodology, the organisation works with children, youth and adults across varying abilities, promoting creativity, communication, self-awareness and social inclusion. The organisation supports more than 375 individuals with differing abilities each year through training, workshops and performance opportunities.
Dr. Ambika Kameshwar is widely recognised as a Bharatanatyam exponent, choreographer, vocalist and educator whose work extends beyond performance into research and inclusive arts education. Over several decades, she has choreographed numerous dance productions while pioneering the application of theatre arts for holistic development.
A Living Artistic Legacy
Beyond commemorating milestones, Kala RASA Parampara Vaibhava celebrated the enduring relationship between Guru and disciple while demonstrating how classical arts can become a vehicle for inclusion and community building. By bringing together accomplished Bharatanatyam artistes alongside performers with visual and intellectual disabilities, the event reflected a vision of culture that is both rooted in tradition and open to everyone. It reaffirmed that the legacy of a Guru continues not only through performances, but through the lives shaped by teaching, compassion and artistic excellence.
