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2009
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SOORYA
INTERNATIONAL, Singapore chapter honored The Dhananjayans with LIFE
TIME ACHIEVEMENT AWARD and PLAQUE OF HONOUR on 8th November in a colourful
ceremony at Singapore Conference Hall on the occasion of commemorating
the 60th Anniversary of Singapore Indian Fine Arts Society.
The
function was followed with a Carnatic vocal concert by the couple Trivandrum
Krishnakumar and Binny Krishnakumar and a full length Bharatanaatyam
performance by The Dhananjayans and their troupe consisting of senior artistes
DIVYA SIVA, GOPUKIRAN AND LAVANYA RAGHURAMAN.
The
chief architect of Soorya Global Festival, Mr. Soorya Krishnamurthy was
also present on the occasion to felicitate the couple who are on their
way back home from a successful tour of Australia under the aegis, Naatyanjali
Australia Incorporated, (Non profit organisation) and supported by Indian
Council for Cultural Relations (ICCR, Delhi). |
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A
talk titled “Classical Arts and Human Heritage” by VP Dhananjayan on 3rd
October (Saturday) 2009 at 05.30 pm at Thakkar Bapa Vidyalaya Campus for
Tamil Heritage Group - Chennai.
Click
here for the speech in Tamil |
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Thiruvanmiyur
Kerala Samajam honoured and felicitated The Dhananjayans for their
receiving this year's PADMABHUSHAN AWARD from The President of India.
At a colourful function to celebrate the Onam festival, a large community
of Keralites gave a rousing welcome. The popular cine actor Thalaivasal
Vijay felicitated the couple. Sri M. Jananrdanan (President of the Samajam)
presented a citation and ponnadai.
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FELICITATION
IN THIRUVANANDAPURAM
REGATTA
CULTURAL SOCIETY, a very well established and well known performing
arts Institution in Thiruvanandapuram, Kerala headed by Smt. Girija Chandran
celebrated their 37th Annual Naatya Sangeeta Utsavam between 24th and 31st
September 2009.
Naatyaacharya
V.P.Dhananjayan inaugurated the festival on 24th.
Shanta
& Dhananjayan were honoured and felicitated on 25th Sept by the Kerala
Poet Laureate Dr.O.N.V.Kurup for their receiving Padmabhushan
this year and a Mangala-patram (Citation in Malayalam, poetry written by
the great poet and lyricist Kaithapram Damodaran) was presented to them
in front of a large gathering giving thunderous applause.
On
the 26th, the Dhananjayans, Divya Sivasundar and Gopukiran performed Bharatanaatyam
for a houseful of connoisseur audience.
The
Dhananjayans, Smt Girija Chandran & Dr.O.N.V.Kurup |
Dr.O.N.V.Kurup
presenting the Citation to the Dhananjayans |
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Alapana,
a Music and Naatya institution in Singapore celebrated their 10th anniversary
on 6th September with a colourful function and performance by little children,
Panchatantra put up by Lavanya Raghuraman (a disciple of the Dhananjayans).
The
program was dedicated to the Dhananjayans and they were honoured and felicitated.
These
pictures shows the Dhananjayans with Alapana's little ones.
More
pictures |
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Naatyaachaarya
Shanta and V.P.Dhananjayan were honoured and felicitated for their immense
contribution to the field of performing arts and in particular Bharatanaatyam,
by Narada Gana Sabha's dance wing NAATYARANGA.
The
13th Naatya Ranga Annual Thematic Festival was inaugurated on 27th August
at Gyanananda Hall Alwarpet. Mr. V. Shankar, President of Mumbai Shanmughananda
Sabha and a business magnate felicitated the Dhananjayans and gave away
a gold medal, citation and a cheque for rupees ten thousand.
Dhananjayan
presented a new Naatya presentation on BHEESHMA (the great hero of
Mahaabhaarata epic).
A
full compliment of audience in the hall gave enthusiastic ovation at the
end.
Details
- Reviews - Photo
Album of Bheeshma |
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VP
Dhananjayan and Shantha Dhananjayan were conferred with the GURU SRESHTA
AWARD, in recognition of their contribution to Indian classical dance,
by the Salangai Academy of Indian Classical Arts in Trichy on June 14,
2009. |
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THE
FINE ARTS SOCIETY OF YOGAVILLE, VIRGINIA USA CONDUCTS THE 21ST ANNUAL BHARATA-NAATYA
ADHYAYANA GURUKUALM
The
Gurukulam camp will be on from July 8th to August 3rd 2009
 1st
camp - (All level)
July
8th - July 25th (18 days)
2nd
camp - (Intermediate & Senior)
July
25th - August 3rd - (10 days)
Annual
Gurukulam camp at Yogaville, Satchidananda Ashram is a ‘HOME AWAY FROM
HOME” .
For
more details and registration kindly contact
Rukmini
Rasiah (President Fine Arts Society)
Telefax:
434 969 3210
email:
FAS@yogaville.org
Padma
Cantu (Artistic Director)
Ph:
804-262-6281
email:
prcan2@gmail.com
For
more details click
General
information
1st
camp Course details
1st
camp Registration
2nd
camp Course details & Registration
Previous
camps |
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PLEASE
NOTE:
Government
of India, Ministry of Home Affairs informs us that the National honour
PADMA BHUSHAN should not be used as title prefixing or suffixing our names.
It is unconstitutional to use this award as 'title'.
Therefore
this is our earnest request NOT TO address us prefixing the "Padma Bhushan".
We are allowed to say in our bio data as under:
Awarded
Padma-Bhushan by the President of India.
-
The Dhananjayans |
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Cleveland
Thyagaraja Aaraadhana committee honored senior artistes with their annual
'Rathnaakara' awards. The Dhannajayans received Nritya Rathnaakara
on April 11, 2009. They were presented the traditional Veera Sringhala
(bracelets) by Cleveland Sundaram & Toronto Venkatraman. The other
awardees were M.S.Gopalakrishnan (violin maestro), Parasala Ponnamma (veteran
Sangeeta Aachaaryaa).
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on images for enlarged version
THE
SPECIAL FEATURE: ON 12TH APRIL:
Gopalakrishna
Bharati's NANDANAAR CHARITAM was presented as an opera singing by senior
concert musicians with Naatyaachaarya Dhananjayan's Abhinaya (expressive
interpretations) for some of the popular Padams.
Event
Details |
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The
Dhananjayans received the Padma Bhushan Award from President Pratibha Patil
at the civil investiture ceremony at Rashtrapati Bhavan in New Delhi on
March 31, 2009 for development, preservation and propagation of the best
of Kalakshetra tradition of Bharatanatyam through their dance academy Bharatakalanjali.
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Dhananjayan
with ace Kathakali Artiste Kalamandalam Gopi
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At
the Rashtrapathi Bhavan with Manomohan (younger brother), Satyajit, Anupama
& Divya Siva
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Zee
TV, Medimix, Sanjeevanam, Gokulam Chit and all Malayalee Organisations
jointly gave a rousing felicitation to The Dhananjayans on 3rd April coinciding
with the gala launch of Dr. K.J.Yesudas's musical journey for world
peace. Smt. Sujatha, ace playback singer presented the momento to Dhananjayan
(Shanta did not attend). This mega event was held at the Royapettah YMCA
grounds. A large crowd greeted the Padmabhushan awardees
which included several VVIPs and film personalities such as Vairamuthu,
Unnikrishnan, Gokulam Gopalan, Nandakumar (Medimix), Anoop (Sanjeevanam),
etc.
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Hearty
welcome to the Dhananjayans at the Meenambakkam Air port on 1st April.
Picture
shows a section of the Malayalee Kshema Association members who gave a
hearty welcome to the Padmabhushan Dhananjayans on arrival at Chennai Airport
after receiving the civil honour from the President of India Smt. Prathibha
Patil. |
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Delhi
Tamizh Sangam gave special felicitations to all awardees from Tamizhnaadu.
Gnanapeedam Jayakanthan spoke on behalf of all awardees. President
Krishnamurthy felecitated every one.
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Felicitations
in Delhi by Delhi Kerala Club and other Malayalee Associations
T.K.Achutan
Nair, Principal Secretary of Prime Minister presided and felicitated all
the Keralites who received this year's Padma awards including the veteran
Kathakali Assaan Kalamandalam Gopi.
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KANCHEEPURAM
SSKV Institution felicitated the Dhananjayans on their getting Padmabhushan
in a befitting function on 23rd March.
The
picture shows Dr. C.K.Raman Secretary presenting a memento to Dhananjayan.
Dhananjayan gave away the prizes and certificates to the children who participated
in various Art competitions. SSKV's department of performing arts presented
a variety program of Music & dance by students trained by their staff
members in honour of Dhananjayan who was the chief guest for their annual
day celebration. |
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Kathakali
Asan T.K.Chandu Panikkar Saamskarika Saahiti, Trikkaripur, where Dhananjayan
had spent his early days, celebrated the event with great pomp and show.
The whole village gathered there to give a rousing welcome to their celebrity
Padma Bhushan Dhananjayans and of course the main attraction was their
favourite Lakshmi Gopalaswamy - Malayalam Film Actress and Bharatanaatyam
dancer. Mr. Kunjanbu (Congress leader) presided and gave away the momentos
to the Dhananjayans. It was indeed a big celebration for the village.
A
few pictures taken on the occasion with Lakshmi Gopalaswamy and other dignitaries.
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Rousing
welcome to the Padma Bhushan awardees Shanta & Dhananjayan at their
birth places:
The
Dhananjayans had a rousing reception at Dhananjayans' birth place Payyanur.
The picture shows the celebrated film lyricist, music composer and Malayalam
poet Sri. Kaithapram Damodran Nambuthiri giving a meomento to The Dhananjayans
on 7th March 09, in the precinct of the famous Payyanur Subrahmania Temple.
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Kannur
Saamskaarika Saahiti Headed by Prof.Mohamad Ahamad and the cream of elites
in the District head quarter (Kannur) felicitated Shanta & Dhananjayan
in a befitting manner.
District
Congress President Mr. Ramakrishnan and several other Congress dignitaries
spoke on the occasion and expressed their pride and happiness in a couple
of the region getting this prestigious Padma Award. While Dhananjayan is
from Payyanur (Kannur dist), Shanta is from Chittur (Palakkad Dist). Shanta's
grandfather's home is in Kannur.
The
picture shows Mr.Ramakrishnan presenting a momento to the couple. The old
time ace foot ball player and a philanthropist P.P.Lakshmanan was also
present.
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Annur
Sanjay Smaraka Library felicitated the Padma Bhushan awardees:
One
of the best libraries in Kerala (SANJAYAN SMAARAKA VAAYANA SAALA) Poet
laureate Sanjay Memorial Library trustees and the reader members gave a
touching welcome to their beloved Dhananjayan and his wife Shanta, sharing
a proud moment in their life celebrating their getting the Padmabhushan
award.
The
pictures show the members and the Foot ball celebrity PP Lakshmanan giving
momento to the Dhananjayans, at a function held on March 6th at the Library
hall.
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Kerala
Kalamandalam felicitates The Dhananjayans.
On
5th March 09, Kerala Kalamandalam University Vice Chancellor Dr. K.G.Paulose,
staff and students gave a rousing welcome to Shanta & Dhananjayan.
In the morning they had an interactive session with Post graduate students
and Mohiniattam Professor Leelamma, Kathakali maestro MPS Nambuthiri and
others.
Picture
shows the VC felicitating the Dhananjayans in the evening special function.
Kalamandalam Ramesan's new Naatya called 'Amritanaatya' was presented as
a tribute to the maestros..
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33rd
National Level Dance Drama Festival in Memory of Smt. Rukminidevi (Founder
Kalakshetra, Chennai), organised by Sri Lalithakala Academy Foundation
Mysore, jointly cosponsored by Swami Vivekananda Yoga Anusandhana Samsthana
University (SVYASA University Bengaluru) honoured Shanta & Dhananjayan
with the title and honour of "Lalithakala Ratna" on February 28,
2009.
Justice
Smt. Manjula Chellur (Karnatak High court) gave away the award and Dr.
H.R. Nagendra (Vice-chancellor SVYASA University) felicitated The Dhananjayans.
K.S.Raghunathan (HMV Raghu), a highly versatile musician, composer and
recording engineer was also honoured on this occasion.
Bharatakalanjali
artistes presented "Nritya-tarangini". Sri.BSS Rao the Founder of SLAF
is the dynamic force behind this organisation which has been doing yeoman
service to our ART AND CULTURE .
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Shanta
& Dhananjayan were given a civic reception at Payyanur on 16th Feb
2009 by the Muncipality and people of the township. Payyanur bazaar wore
a festive look with ceremonial instruments (Panchavaadyam), a huge procession
leading the Dhananjayans to the Gandhi Park. Local MLA, MP, Muncipal Chairman
and several other important personalities were present to felicitate the
Padha Bhushan awardees. Dhananjayan is the first Padma awardee in Kannur
district and the citizens shared their pride and joy with the couple.
On
the previous day (15th), relatives around the village gathered and gave
a rousing reception at Dhananjayan's father's house (Athayil veedu) exclusively
shared by the family members.
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The
Dhananajayans were the chief guests for the concluding day of the Flower
show festival, where they were felicitated . Dhananjayan gave the valedictory
address to a large gathering of people from various parts of Kannur district. |
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The
Dancing Duo recently honoured with Padma Bhushan were at Chittur on 8 Feb,
2009. On a modest scale, they were cordially and affectionately felicitated
at Cherubala Nalukettu by the proud family members and later at a public
function at Chittur Tattamangalam Municipality celebrating their Centenary
this year. Kerala Assembly Hon Speaker honored and felicitated the Dhananjayans.
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View
more photos |
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The
Dhananjayans' colleagues share the honour (Padma Bhushan) with pride.
From left
to right: A. Janardanan, Ambika Buch, Shanta, Dhananjayan, C.K.Balagopalan,
Kala Ramesh and Savitri Jagannatha Rao
These
artistes, classmates of the Dhananjayans literally grew up in Kalakshetra.
Kalakshetra has also grown with them. That period was the golden period
of Kalakshetra when Rukminidevi did her best productions. All of them contributed
much to the popularity of the Kalakshetra dance drama productions, especially
the Ramayana series. The amazing comradeship between them continue to be
an inspirational phenomena for the younger generation of artistes, both
in and out side Kalakshetra. |
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Among
the luminaries decorated by the Rashtrapathi (President) of Bhaarat (India)
this year (2009) to coincide with 60th Republic day, are the Bharatanaatyam
couple Shanta & Dhananjayan. The Dhananjayans will be decorated with
the honor PADMA BHUSHAN in a special function at the Rashtrapathi
Bhavan, Delhi in March.
Lavanya
Raghuraman interviews Padma Bhushan awardees - the Dhananjayans
featured
at https://www.alapana.org/VPDint.pdf
A
THANK YOU NOTE FROM THE DHANANJAYANS !!!
It
is with the utmost humility and great pride that we accept this National
award of PADMABHUSHAN on the occasion of the 60th Republic day and we thank
the President of India and all the people responsible for selecting us
for this coveted honour.
So
far all awards and rewards came in search of us and this was also a bolt
from the blue and we profusely thank our Government, especially the Home
Ministry. It proves that the selection process do go by merit and credibility.
Since
the award was announced, we have received congratulatory notes and messages
from numerous connoisseurs, well-wishers and admirers from around the world.
We are really touched by their sincere appreciation, and the love and regards
they have in us. We genuinely feel it is their goodwill that has kept us
going all this while and thank every one of them from the bottom of our
heart for their greetings on this joyous occasion.
We
share the joy with all our students, our admirers all over the globe and
dedicate this honour to our alma mater, Kalakshetra. After Smt.Rukminidevi
- the founder of Kalakshetra and our mentor in every sense of the term
- we are the next ones from Kalakshetra to be honoured with this high National
award. So Kalakshetra can be justifiably proud of our achievement in spreading
the best traditions we inherited from this temple of art.
We
have always been convinced that we stand in the shadows of our Art (Kaladevi)
and all the laurels and glory go to that divine profession that we practice
namely Bharatanaatyam. While accepting this award, we are humbled by the
greatness of this Art form and would like to offer it at the altar of our
learning - Kalakshetra.
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Mysore
Sri Lalithakala Academy Foundation Trust (Center for performing arts) honour
The Dhananjayans with the prestigious "Rukminidevi Memorial Award" on February
28, 2009. |
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In
connection with the Republic day celebration - a Gandhiyan organisation
and Tamizh Magazine "ANBU-PAALAM" (of Dr.Kalyanasundaram) honoured the
Dhananjayan with the title of "LAKSHYA DAMPATHIGAL" ( Ideal couple) and
gold medals. |
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The
Padma Sarangapani Cultural Academy, Virugambakkam which has been conducting
art festivals in the outskirts of Chennai is now a very well established
and well known Sangeeta Sabha. It is a big boon to the north Madras rasikas.
Sangeeta Kutcheri and Naatya performances have been attended by large connoisseurs
of arts unlike the city Sabhas with empty chairs.
For
the last eight years they have been honouring very senior and celebrated
artistes with the "Padma Sadhana" award and purse. This year they
chose the well known singer Smt. Seetha Narayanan and The Dhananjayans
for the coveted award. Justice P.R. Gokulakrishnan gave away the awards
and purse to these senior artistes. Sri. S. Varadan, who is the founder
of Padma Sarangapani Matriculation chain of schools is the dynamic head
of this cultural forum. The award function was conducted in a ceremonious
and unique way with a spiritual atmosphere pervading the place on January
8, 2009. |
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