Conference at Chennai

THE NATYA KALA CONFERENCE - A Background

The NATYA KALA CONFERENCE, which is entering its 21st year in Dec 2001, is organised by Sri Krishna Gana Sabha, Chennai, in December every year. It takes place from 9am to noon daily for 7 days. Scholars, critics and performing artistes from India and abroad are invited to discuss in depth, a wide range of dance specific subjects, supported by visual demonstrations. One of the Nritya Choodamani awardees is the Convener of the Conference for 2 consecutive years. The Nritya Choodamani Award is a highly coveted prestigious title conferred by Sri Krishna Gana Sabha every year on an artiste from any of the Indian classical dance forms.

In December 2001, the subject for the 21st Natya Kala Conference will be - CHOREOGRAPHY: THE ART OF MAKING DANCES

The Institution SRI KRISHNA GANA SABHA in Chennai came into being 40 years ago... . The Sabha has instituted the well-known Sangeetha Choodamani, Nritya Choodamani and Nadika Choodamani awards as well as cash awards for upcoming artistes.

SRINIDHI CHIDAMBARAM was chosen to receive the "Nritya Choodamani" award for the year 2000. For the year 2001, the "Nritya Choodamani" has been awarded to noted danseuse URMILA SATYANARAYA. The Sabha also runs a sangeetha vidyalaya. In addition to annual festivals, the Sabha presents monthly programs.

Mr.Yagnaraman graduated from Loyola College and obtained Law Degree from Madras Law College. While practicing law for over 15 years, he got involved in cultural and religious activities. From 1954, he has been associated with Sri Krishna Gana Sabha and elected General Secretary in 1956, a position he holds till date. He has served in the Executive Committee of Tamil Nadu Eyal Isai Nataka Manram for 5 years, as Vice - Chairman of the State Academy for 5 years, President of the Federation of Sabhas for 5 years.

He has served as Trustee in Thyaga Brahma Mahotsava Sabha - Thiruvaiyaru, Kanchi Kamakoti Peeta Karnataka Sangeeta Seva Trust - Tiruvarur and in the Kamakoti Seshadri Swamigal Trust - Kanchipuram. Many awards have been conferred on him notably 'Nada Seva Rathna' by Nadha Brahmam and Isai Gyani Ilayaraja in 1994, 'Outstanding Cultural Personality' by Mylapore Academy in 1994, 'Seva Rathna' by Siva Vishnu Temple of Greater Cleveland and University of Cleveland in 1995, 'Kala Poshaka' by ABHAI in 1996, 'Sangeeta Prachara Mani' by Sri Kanchi Kamakoti Peetam in 1996, 'Kalaimamani' by Govt of Tamilnadu in 1998 and 'Kalai Selvam' by South Indian Artistes Association in 1998. He has worked consistently to bring the Sabha to its present stature where it is prestigious for an artiste, either from India or abroad, to be invited to perform under its auspices. The Sabha promotes all categories of dance styles during the December season, thus providing a platform for a diverse selection of art forms to a discerning audience.

2001 Natya Kala Conference - 21st NATYA KALA CONFERENCE
Visit www.narthaki.com for details on the conference
Review
Schedule & Photo Gallery
Q & A: Audience Artist Interface

2000 Natya Kala Conference

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