DHARANI, An Art & Culture promotional Institution founded by Smt. Shyamala Surendran in Cochin, organized a grand felicitation function for Shyamala's Gurus The Dhannajayans on 30th April 09 at Eranakulam Fine Arts Hall.

Dr.K.G. Paulose, Vice Chancellor, Kerala Kalamandalam presided and gave and exemplary felicitation address, educating the public on the greatness of the performing Arts and it's purpose. Eulogizing the contributions made by the couple for the Indian arts, Dr. Paulose remarked that the Padmabhushan award itself gained a renewed prestige and value by honouring people like the Dhananjayans. The President of Dharani Mr. P.S.Sukumaran introduced the couple reading out all their important achievements, awards and contributions and remarked that the days are not too far for them to be felicitated again on their being awarded the BHAARATARATNA which they richly deserve more than any one in the field of performing arts. The tight fisted Kerala audience clapped aloud breaking the silence.

Following the function, Naatyaachaarya V.P.Dhananjayan performed his forte production "Nandanaar Charitam" (a solo presentation) for almost 75 minutes bringing tears in the eyes of the stunned spectators, wondering the 70 years young Dhananjayan singularly traversing through different emotions.

The final surprise was an extempore "Radha-maadhavam" performed by the couple obliging the spontaneous request from a section of the audience. It was a scene of serenity, Shanta getting up from her Music-orchestral space to the center stage joining her husband. Just with the Kerala Mundu attire looking very elegant and dignified and not made up for a performance, the couple performed to the beautiful music from Sasidaran (Singing), Rameshbabu (Mridangam) and T.K.Padmanabhan (Violin) .