The Intersection of Art, Dance, and Culture for Young Minds

Krishnan Sriram

COIMBATORE, FEB. 5: Over 180 school students from across the southern states took part in the two-day South Zone Convention of SPICMACAY (Society for the Promotion of Indian Classical Music and Culture Amongst Youth) that concluded at Delhi Public School, here today.

Aimed at making the younger generation aware and proud of India’s rich cultural heritage, the convention provided the participants with needed exposure to Indian dance, music and art forms over the week-end.

Noted danseuse Bragha Bessell performing bharatanatyam at the convention

Being held after a gap of 4 years due to Covid, this convention had the students learning the basics of carnatic music, bharatanatyam, therukoothu, konakol, terracotta and kolam from masters in the field.

Noted singer Vidushi Amritha Murali, well-known-danseuse Bragha Bessell, terracotta expert Ramaiyya Thangaiyya, kunokol vidwan Vijay Natesan and therukoothu veteran P.K. Sambandhan conducted the intensive sessions over two days for the participants besides performing live for their benefit. Dr Gayathri Sankaranarayanan conducted the kolam intensive.

Vidushi Amritha Murali rendering a carnatic vocal recital at the convention

A mellifluous flute recital by Sikkil Mala Chandrasekhar provided a fitting finale to the convention.

“The students showed an amazing awareness and willingness to learn more about our classical arts and we felt so good interacting with them and performing for them ,” Vidushi Amritha Murali remarked and this was echoed by all other masters. They all felt that this unique initiative of SPICMACAY would be cherished by most participants for a long time.

Therukoothu Master P.K. Sambandhan" troupe performing therukoothu

The school Principal Mr Ahmed Azad thanked SPICMACAY, the performing artistes and the participating schools for making the event a big success.

All participants appreciated the wonderful hosting of the event by DPS.

The event culminated with the felicitation of the artistes for their contribution to the rich heritage. The artistes left with a sense of accomplishment and the participants with the satisfaction of learning from the masters.