ART OF LIVING WITH LIVING ART - Summer Residential camp NAATYA ADHYAYANA GURUKULAM 
Report by Pavitra Srinivasan
Photographs of the camp

When Bharata Kalanjali (Chennai) and Salagramam - The School of Bhagavad Gita (Thiruvananthapuram), joined hands from April 25th to May 5th 2010 in Kerala for the Naatya Adhyayana Gurukulam Camp, the light of the significance of Bharateeya Kala and Samskaara was fondly and inspiringly lit in the hearts of all participants and supporters, leaving them asking for more. This pioneering effort by the two institutions brought to life the motto of the legendary Naatyacharyas Padma Bhushan Sri V.P.Dhananjayan and Smt Shanta Dhananjayan - the 3 D's - Discipline, Devotion and Dedication, yet again.

Held at the Salagramam Ashrama along the banks of the Karamana river, the Gurukulam camp was inaugurated by H.H. Princess Gauri Parvathy Bayi who gave her best wishes, support and appreciation for this endeavor that uplifts and upholds our rich cultural heritage.

The day began when the first crisp rays of the sun gently touched and illuminated Mother Earth. A bell at 5.30 am was the first call to congregate for a quiet Yoga session at 6.30 am by Sri Suresh. When the group of around 60 sleepy students gathered by 6.15 am, an hour of Surya Namaskaram, a few asanas and a brief Pranayama awakened them to freshness and energy.

A hearty breakfast was followed by the main assembly at 9.00 am, with Sri VPD' s instructions on simple yet important values of cleanliness, dressing and conduct: "We are proud Bharatiyans and not "Indians", we do Naatya and not Dance, do not waste food, arrange the slippers in line, be punctual, use water economically, comb your hair neatly, wear the bindi nicely, ………. all trash including toffee wrappers to be put only into the dustbin and until you find a dust bin keep the wrapper in your pocket!.........."made each participant alert and adhere to the rules.

We were all in awe to see and meet the teacher of our teachers – Jaya Teacher - whose very presence instilled respect and seriousness to practice and learn well. Outside class Jaya teacher (Prof. N.S.Jayalakshmi) was full of humour and fun, making us laugh until our stomach ached! When asked how she found the Dhananjayans as her students in Kalakshetra, she replied "though they were a little naughty, they were very committed to art, hard working, and determined to succeed. I am very proud of them!". Kala teacher (Kala Ramesh Rao), a colleague and long time dear friend of the Dhananjayans was also one of our endearing teachers.

With the chanting of prayers at the assembly, Smt Shanta Dhananjayan initiated the students into their respective group of classes:-
1. In the senior group taught by Jaya teacher, Kala teacher and by herself, the main song covered was a Thillana (Nrittangahaaram) in Kanada Ragam, Rupaka Thalam, choreographed by Smt Rukmani Arundale that had been performed by the octogenarian Jaya teacher during her Arangetram!
2. In the junior group taken by Gopu Kiran (staff of BharataKalanjali)), they learnt the Kirtanam "Kaal Maari Aadiya Kanaka Sabesha", in Ragam Kunthalavarali, Aadi thalam, choreographed by Smt Shantha Dhanajayan.
3. In the "Kuttis" group taught by Pavithra Srinivasan, they learnt "Gaja Vadana Maam Paahi", in Hamsadhwani Ragam, Rupaka Thalam, composed by Sri M.D Ramanathan, choreographed by yours truly.

After a sumptuous meal at 12.30 pm always strictly preceded by a beautiful Annapoorneshwari prayer, the afternoon was packed with Music class, Samskritham class and Theory class for selected groups. Well known Professor P.P. Ramakrishna made the Carnatic lessons very interesting and informative, the Samskrutham group handled by Kumari Aswathi, were excitedly discovering the phonetics and a particular song in this sacred idiom, with yet another group discussing the new theoretical concepts they had learnt in their class. The corridors also filled up in the corners with the congregation of the Padam class girls and boys singing and practicing "Yaaro endrenaa malennaalum", Sankarabarnam Ragam, Adi Thalam taught by Jaya teacher and "Varattum Swami", Saveri Ragam, Adi Thalam, taught by Kala teacher. A short session by Sri Deepak Majumdar who taught us a beautiful Abhang by Saint Janeshwar, in Natta Bhairav was very engaging!

Naatya sessions resumed in the evening after tea break at 4.00 pm, until everyone was ready to rush for a shower at 6.00 pm to return invigorated and well dressed for a bhajan session in the evening at 7.00 pm. Swami Sandeepananda Giri addressed in the Satsang that it is only our own self that is our best friend and could be worst enemy if let astray. Greatness of Ayurveda, importance of traffic rules, chanting of slokas, appreciation of music were some of the topics shared by eminent personalities from different walks of life, further widening our exposure to other aspects of value based education.

Fine dinner and often late nights of practice (or chatter!) would galvanize Sir to come on his rounds and sometimes forcibly turn off the lights so that we retire.

A weekend visit to Lord Anantha Padmanabha temple, Swathi Tirunal's Palace, the Art Museum to view Raja Ravi Verma' s paintings brought more joy and explorations among the students. A final presentation of the lessons learnt, and certificates of appreciation to the participants in the honourable presence of Retd Chief Justice of Kerala High Court as the Chief Guest, the 10 day Naatya Adhyayana Camp came to a close amidst great applause and admiration.

Aditya, a tiny tot student of Sri Venugopal Rao from Rishi Valley said "I like the nature here, the trees, the breeze, dance and I don't miss my mother that much". Sharad, Devika and Sharanya from Smt Girija Chandran's Regatta were thrilled teenagers that week. Quipped Sharad, "Although I have been doing western dance for several years, it is only this classical traditional form of Naatya that gives me more feeling and depth". Devaki and Sharanya were rearing to say "We want to learn not for fame or money but with dedication and interest; we never help our respective mothers at home with dishes and cleaning, but here we learned that washing our own plates and glasses is a good discipline. "I joined as a student in Dhananjayan Sir's camp in Bhaaskara, now I am a teacher in Bharata Kalanjali and in Sir's camps, thanks to Master and Shanta Akka", stated Gopu Kiran. Ameya from Pondicherry added, "I am quite reserved but this camp taught me to make friends". Monique, Shabana and Anita from Germany & Czechoslovakia participated and simply adored the Naatya Camp!

With delicious sweets like Semiya payasam, Yelai Adda, Unni appam & Pazhampori etc to fill the stomach, thoughtful insights to inspire the mind, art and aesthetics to touch the heart, the Naatya Adhyaana Gurukulam Camp was a very fulfilling experience. It is only our Bharata Desh that established the Gurukula system. To revive this great tradition that enables living together, learning, and continually evolving - in the utmost manner made possible by the legendary masters like the Dhananjayans, is indeed a very cherished and a memorable gift.

Photographs of the camp