Kumar Center of Performing Arts (Mysore) organised the 41^st International Nirantara Kalemane festival with Bharata natyam dance competition at Kalemane Sabhaanga in Mysore on 20th July 2024.

28 participants from various parts of the country participated and surprisingly the only male dancer Akash Aravinth was adjudged the best and won the first prize. The competition was inaugurated by renowned dance gurus from across the country and was a resounding success.

Twenty year old Akash was judged the best, on the basis of his remarkable performance, the clarity and vibrancy of movements, lucid expressions and precise execution of rhythmic patterns, creating a lasting impression on the judges and the audience.

The judges were accomplished Bharata natyam Gurus, Guru Smrithi Ramesh Kaushik (Mysore), Guru Shyla K S (Mandya) and Guru Dr Baija Rani from Kerala. The second prize was won by Angika Shetty, disciple of Guru Nayana Rai from Puttur and the third prize was won by Swetha Sankaran, disciple of Guru Roja Kannan from Chennai. It was a difficult scenario for the judges as most of the participants danced quite well. The prize winners were given a trophy and a certificate of appreciation. The other participants were given certificates of participation and ten consolation prizes were also given.

This one of its kind competition is organised by Prof Kumar Kariappa, renowned Bharata Natyam mentor and exponent on behalf of Kumar Centre of Performing Arts, Mysore, Prof Kumar says, "The main idea of organizing these competitions is to develop healthy and harmonious participation and also to encourage and promote classical aarts like Bharata Natyam. The response is amazing but I wish the corporate sector comes forward to organize such competitions in order to encourage arts and artists as well".

Kumar Center of Performings Arts is an established centre with regular classes of Bharata Natyam and classical music. Prof Kumar Kariappa has performed for some of the most prestigious festivals both in India and overseas. The Centre has their own auditorium and festivals are regularly conducted throughout the year.

By Guru Vijay Shankar