by KT Leong
Following the celebration of its golden jubilee in Kuala Lumpur, Bharatha Kalanjali Malaysia (a well-established academy founded in 1974 in Ipoh for Indian classical dance, specifically Bharatanatyam) returned to where its journey first began five decades ago.
They proudly presented “Naatya Seva”, a nostalgic homecoming performance that highlighted the artistic journey of Shrimathi Meera Venugopal. To date, she has choreographed 272 set items and pieces over a span of 35 years.
The Sanskrit terminology “Naatya” refers to the expressive cultural art of dance while “Seva” signifies selfless and meaningful service, the combination of which embodies a dual aspect of dance being offered as a form of devotion and service.
On 30 May, the academy presented Naatya Seva, a special performance that celebrates the spirit of service through the performance of the art. Beyond showcasing the classical art, through this initiative, the academy aimed to raise funds in support of the Perak Association For Intellectually Disabled (PAFID), a charitable organisation founded to provide for the educational needs, vocational training and rehabilitation of the intellectually disabled in Perak. The academy had donated RM10,000 generated by the event to PAFID.
The event drew an attendance of approximately 300 people from all walks of life. The strong turnout underscored the collective spirit of giving and the community’s commitment to uplifting those in need.
Also attending the event were State Assembly woman for Hutan Melintang, YB Wasanthee Sinnasamy, Head of Otorhinolaryngology (ENT) Department at Hospital Raja Permaisuri Bainun, Dato’ Dr. Philip Rajen Devasahayam, President of PAFID, Mr. Bryan Tan, Director of Bharatha Kalanjali Malaysia, S. Venugopal, PMC Group Director, Dr. K. Supramaniam, and 300 classical art enthusiasts.
The event featured performances by students from the school’s founding days in Ipoh, together with those who continued its legacy in Klang, uniting to share the stage to express their heartfelt devotion to the art of Bharatanatyam.
Highlights included heritage pieces choreographed by the Masters Dhananjayans, rooted deep in the school’s rich and distinctive artistic lineage. Audiences were amazed by the intricate and expressive choreographies by Shrimathi Meera Venugopal, infused with an electrifying vitality and refreshing dynamism brought to life on the stage.
For further enquiries, kindly contact K. Nachemutu at 012-5051959
