Vol.18 No. 2 February - 2017 LOOKING BACK, LOOKING AHEAD

The year gone by—2016— culture festivals in remote places was historic for Bhavan brought the finest of performances Bengaluru Kendra for several to a new and awed audience. reasons. Eleven states across Both projects, under the the country were brought under umbrella of Infosys Foundation, its ambit for holding traditional marked the beginning of a new arts events, economically weak and exciting journey for Bhavan, artistes and rare and fading arts testings its limits of organizational given prominence. skills and reach. It was a huge If this served the cause of arts learning curve, the planning and and artistes, two outstation mega execution of the projects involving

[email protected] 1 choice of arts, artistes, Someshwara temple in March, networking, coordination, logistics was a runaway success, drawing and technical support. thousands of audiences every day. 2016 was a game-changer The maiden attempt of the for traditional performing and fine Bengaluru Kendra in putting up arts, the year itself beginning with such a huge event in a remote a vibrant nature painting exhibition location opened up uncharted by differently-abled artist Anu terrain in its organizational skills. Jain. Anu has no legs and only rudimentary elbows. One of the aims of Bhavan is to take art to the people, an Her world, expected to be objective that was well met in the gray and bleak, was instead monthly cultural programmes held colourful and full of life, as seen in at the Indian Institute of World her paintings. Culture, Bengaluru. The 2010 Hence Bhavan considered Bharatiya Vidya Bhavan- Infosys this an auspicious beginning for Foundation venture achieved a the year’s activities; it did turn out landmark century April last, to be so. having provided a platform to over 500 artistes. The three-day Lakshmeshwara Utsav at The well-entrenched Gadag in the precincts of the programmes, transparent in their

2 conduct, encouraged Infosys Bhagavadgita classes received Foundation to donate more funds their diploma certificate after a for the Kendra to hold pan-India three-year study course. concerts. For the past four years, Besides West Bengal, June has come to be identified Tripura, Tamil Nadu and as a period of celebration of Karntaka, the Infosys Foundation India’s glorious past, in her Cultural Outreach Programme literature, arts and philosophy, was spread to Andhra Pradesh, the Bhavan-ISKCON Telangana, Gujarat, Kerala, collaboration of national Maharashtra, and conferences attracting scholars Rajasthan, with Bengaluru as the from all over India and abroad. nodal centre. Veda Samvada (2013), Fanned out across 11 centres, Upanishad Sandesha (2014), 91 programmes have been held Mahapuranas (2015) and since inception May last, bringing Mahakavyas (2016) have been 1065 artistes on to stage. signature events in retracing A steady audience is being India’s heritage, the conference on cultivated through these Mahakavyas proving to be of programmes. interest to a larger audience. On the academic front, Bhavan believes that the first batch of 55 students of identifying with regional ethos 3 The stunning stage and backdorp of Anupu festival is an essential part of cultural and drawn locally. It was a fitting national integration. Karnataka finale to an eventful year, when Rajyotsava is celebrated with a Bhavan stepped into the realm truly native flavour. of a mega event manager and The Bengaluru Kendra tied up traditional arts got a new lease with Rotary Club –District 10, to of life. put up a grand evening of Other outings were of celebrating Kananda language no less value—the Pallavi and culture through music and Chandrappa birth centenary, dance. presentation of the B. Saroja Devi Curtains were drawn on National Award to Parvathamma major events with the conduct of Rajkumar, Dasara Gombe Habba, the Anupu festival in December on visit of Justice B. N. Srikrishna, the banks of Nagarjunasagar dam former vice-president, BVB in Telangana. Worldwide to the BVB-BBMP Public school—a flagship venture This was a fairy tale event, of the Bengaluru Kendra, and the the three-day cultural programmes book launch of “Rich Tradition, against the backdrop of a Richer Heritage” authored by Buddhist monument completely Bhavan President Sri Sunderlal G. blanketing out the technical world Mehta --enhanced the dimensions and replacing it with a dazzling of the Kendra’s activities. show of traditional arts, all - Jyothi Raghuram 4 PULIGERE UTSAV - 2017

Sri. Binod Hampapur, EVP & Global Head - Talent & Technology Operations, Infosys, inaugurates Infosys Foundation Puligere Utsav at Lakshmeshwar, Gadag Dist.

Shehnai recital : Maruti Bhajantri, tabla : Keshav Joshi

Hindustani vocal : Ayyappayya Halagalimath, tabla : Keshav Joshi, harmonium : Guruprasad Hegde

5 PULIGERE UTSAV

Kolata by Virupakshappa B. Guranavara and troupe

Hindustani vocal : Kaivalya Kumar Gurav, tabla : Sridhar Mandre, harmonium : Dr. Sudhanshu Kulkarni

Bharatanatya by Ratika Nrutya Niketan, Dharwad.

6 PULIGERE UTSAV

Kathak by Noopur Performing Art Centre, Bengaluru.

Sitar recital : Shrinivas Joshi, tabla : Anant Hegde

Hindustani vocal : Kiran Hanagal, tabla : Sridhar Mandre, harmonium : Guruprasad Hegde 7 PULIGERE UTSAV

Hindustani vocal : Ganapati Bhat Hasanagi, tabla : Sridhar Mandre, harmonium : Dr. Vyasamurthy Katti

Bharatanatya by Nritya Nikethana, Udupi.

8 PULIGERE UTSAV

Bharatanatya by Nrutyanjali Nrutya Samsthe, Pune.

Sitar & flute jugalbandi : Mohasin Khan and Raghunath Badi, tabla : Ravikiran Nakod 9 PULIGERE UTSAV

Hindustani vocal : Poornima Bhat Kulkarni, tabla : Vishwanath Nakod, harmonium : Vyasamurthy Katti

Hindustani vocal : Jayatheerth Mevundi, tabla : Uday Kulkarni, harmonium : Guruprasad Hegde

Bharatanatya by Natyadeepa, Sirsi.

10 PULIGERE UTSAV

Bharatanatya by Bharathanjali Academy for Performing Art, Davanagere.

Dr. M.S. Murthy, Chairman, Karnataka, Lalithakala Academy, inaugurating the art camp

11 PULIGERE UTSAV

Artists with their works

Audience throng in thousands

An aerial view of Someshwara temple

12 BHARATIYA VIDYA BHAVAN'S M.P. BIRLA INSTITUTE OF MANAGEMENT CELEBRATES KULPATI K M MUNSHI JI'S BIRTHDAY THROUGH A SYMBOLIC VANAMAHOTSAVA EVENT ON 30TH DECEMBER 2016

Bharatiya Vidya Bhavan's M.P. Birla Institute of Management celebrated Kulpati K M Munshiji' birthday through a symbolic Vanamahotsava event, an event initiated by him 66 years ago, on 30th December 2016 at Bhavan's Bangalore Kendra. Dr. B N Vishwanath Former Professor University of Agricultural Sciences and President Garden City Farmers was the Chief Guest. Sri. H N Suresh Director Bharatiya Vidya Bhavan Bangalore Kendra and Dr. G S D Babu Director M.P. Birla Institute of Fundamental Research were the Guests of Honour. Prof. K L Ramadas Joint Director (HR), MPBIM presided over the event. MPBIM students planted 2000 saplings on the Metro Corridor January 2016 and intend to make it an annual event. BHARATIYA VIDYA BHAVAN'S M.P. BIRLA INSTITUTE OF MANAGEMENT, BENGALURU CONDUCTED INTER COLLEGIATE MARKETING EXHIBITION ON 13TH JAN, 2017 Sri. Hitesh Kumar Bajpai Managing Director, Balajee Fraternity Manufacturing Co. Pvt. Ltd., Dr. Rajdeep Manwani, Academician and Motivational Speaker, Sri. Krishna Byre Gowda, Hon'ble Minister of State for Agriculture, Government of Karnataka, Chief Guest at the event, lighting the lamp, Dr. N S Viswanath Director & Principal, Sri. Pranab Pani Chairman & Managing Director MTMC Medi-Info Pvt. Ltd., are seen. 13 BVB-INFOSYS FOUNDATION CUTURAL OUTREACH PROGRAMMES : NOV-DEC 2016; JAN 2017.

“Rasa Leela Man-Bhanjan” by Rupa & troupe, held on Nov 5th, at Bhubaneshwar

Ninety one programmes Karrasaamu, Tatvaalu have been conducted and 1053 and Dappu Gathulu, Kinnera artistes have performed & Vaadyam, Kommu Vaadyam approximately 31000 people in Andhra Pradesh and have witnessed the programmes Telengana; Sarhad Na Sur since the launch of BVB- and Rang Kusmbal at Gujarat Infosys Foundation Outreach and an extinct art - Nat - Nati in Cultural Programme. Rajasthan. Notable programmes ODISHA like Rasa Leela, Ghudki Nata, 03/10/2016 – Rasa Leela – Prahallada Nataka , Man Bhanjan: As a dramatic Sangeeth and Mogul form, it is popular in the coastal Tamasha were held at the areas of Odisha. Rasa Leela is Odisha Kendra ; Charadupinni devotional in spirit and content. Kali and Ottanthullal in Kerala; The young actors play and sing Chiratala Bhajana, 14 “Ghudki Nata” by Nilakantha Tarai troupe held on Dec 5th, at Bhubaneshwar on stage. This art was patronised playing the cylindrical shaped by temples, Vaishnavite kings and wooden instrument. One side of zamindars. this instrument is covered with 17/10/2016 – Ghudki Nata lizard skin. The male partner who & Odissi Sangeet; Ghuduki is is the central character works out an indigenous string musical various rhythmic patterns by instrument. This dance form has playing his fingers on the string been named after the instrument. and the female partner dances Normally the dancers also sing, intermittently. The contents of the

“Prahalhad natak” by Guru.Sj.Simanchal Patra & troupe held on Nov 21st, at Bhubaneshwar 15 “Odissi Sangeeth” by Guru Dr. Ramhari Das, held on Nov 21st, at Bhubaneshwar songs are in question and answer An important aspect of this form. The partners make the play is the use of the mask of interrogatory form quite Narasingha. The mask is humorous. worshipped in the kotha ghara or 07/11/2016 – Folk Theatre in the temple. All artistes and Dance Form – Prahallhad musicians who participated in this Natak : A dance drama written play were amateurs. around 1860 AD in Odiya 21/11/2016 – Odissi attributed to Rama Krishna Sangeet : is a genre Dev of Jalantra, now in Andhra of classical music shaped during Pradesh. This play was originally the time of Oriya poet , enacted over seven nights. who composed mesmerizing Now it is restricted to one. lyrics.

Odissi Sangeeta by Guru Nimakanta Rautray & troupe held on Dec 5th, at Bhubaneshwar 16 Mogul Tamasha by Sanket Cultural Association, held on Dec 19th, at Bhubhaneshwar

05/12/2016 – Odissi Music: The play continues with the Odissi Sangeeth was presented characters coming to the stage by Guru Panditgopala Chandra, a one by one. Enough humour and teacher, singer, researcher and satire is provided through author of many books on Odissi dialogues music. KERALA 19/12/2016 – Mogul Tamasha : This is a satirical play 02/12/2016 – on the moghuls; peculiarly the Charadupinni kali : tradition of the play is confined to It is performed in the suburban few villages surrounding the town areas under Nedumangad of Bhadrak in Odisha where there Taluk of Thiruvananthapuram is concentration of Muslim District in Kerala. This is a folk population. Mogul Tamasha is dance similar to “Thiruvathira multilingual. It has songs and Kali” which itself is an elegant dialogues in Persian, Urdu, group dance by womenfolk of Hindi, Oriya and Bengali. Kerala.

17 “Charadu Pinni Kali” by Vithura suhruth nataka kalari & balbhavan, held on Dec 2nd, at Thiruvananthapuram

Ottanthullal presented by Kalamandalam Nandakumar held on Dec 17th at Wadakancherry

17/12/2016 – Ottanthullal : Kalyana Soungandhikam story (Sheethangan Thullal) is taken from the Vanaparva episode of Mahabharata, where Draupadi expressed her desire to obtain the saugandhikam flower which has a sweet fragrance. Bhima promises to bring them to her.

18 Chiratala Bhajana Karrasaamu & Tatvaalu by artistes from Karimnagar, Ramagundam & Ananthpur, held on Dec 21st at Hyderabad

ANDHRAPRADESH & riveted with jingling bells and TELENGANA. metal pieces that produced metallic and rattling sounds. 21/12/2016 - Chiratala “Karrasaamu” is a popular folk Bhajana, Karrasaamu and form of rural Telengana. Tatvaalu ; This folk art is known 22/12/2016 - Dappu only to the conventional Gathulu, Kinnera Vaadyam practitioners of rural areas. and Kommu Vaadyam : Chiratala Bhajana was performed Dappu is made of goat skin and in its original form by artistes is a tambourine-like drum beaten from Karimnagar District. with sticks, creating a rhythm that The group held a pair of is softened only by the ankle bells wooden pieces chiselled and that the 16-20 dancers wear.

Dappu Gathulu, Kinnera Vaadyam & Kommu Vaadyam by artistes from Karimnagar, Mahaboobnagar & Ananthpur, held on Dec 22nd, at Hyderabad 19 Musical programme based on ancient folk instruments from desert,designed by Kaushal Chhaya, held on Nov 19th at Ahmedabad

GUJARAT form of songs and katha vachikam were presented with a flavour of 19/11/2016 - Sarhad Na ancient times. sur : A unique programme based 04/12/2016 - on instruments and vocal, it was a Sakhi a devotee : This different experience where ancient programme was performed folk instruments such as jodiya by the students of Kalamandir pava (dual flute), morchang, Performing Arts. The presentation santar, mandolin, nobat and was about a love story of shehnai were presented. Lord Krishna and Radha. 20/11/2016 – Rang It was about divine love Kusmbal- Folk Literature : depicted through classical Ancient Gujarati folk stories in the dance.

Literature based Gujarati folk stories by young students of Sukhdev Gadhvi, held on Nov 20th at Ahemedabad

20 Sakhi A Devotee - Classical dance by Kalamandhir Performing Arts, held on Dec 4th, at Ahmedabad RAJASTHAN concentration and coordination involving synchronous 15/12/2016 - Nat - Nati movements of all participants Kalabazi : Here the artistes This is an ancient art of Rajasthan display their skills in acrobatics which is on the verge of extinction. and various acts of balancing,

Nat -Nati - Kalabazi by Jahar Singh and Rajki held on 15th, Dec at Jaipur

21 BHAVAN-BBMP PUBLIC SCHOOL ANNUAL DAY - 2017

LKG children welcoming the audience

Nursery children confidently dancing on stage

22 BHAVAN-BBMP PUBLIC SCHOOL ANNUAL DAY - 2017

Goa dance by LKG children .

UKG kids salute the nation.

Thumbelina, a musical, by children of 1st, 2nd , and 3rd grades.

23 BHAVAN-BBMP PUBLIC SCHOOL ANNUAL DAY PICTURES - 2017

Dr. Rukmini Krishnaswamy, Director, Spastics Society of Karnataka, Bengaluru, inaugurating the 5th annual day on Dec 23. Principal Pushpalatha S. is also seen.

Vaayu the Deity of Life : Grades 4,5,& 6 enact a play, bringing history and mythology together.

24 BHAVAN-INFOSYS FOUNDATION OUTREACH CULTURAL PROGRAMME : DEC 2016.

veena-venu-violin veena : Shubha Santhosh, venu : Vani Manjunath, violin : Prema Vivek mridanga : Anoor Anantha Krishna Sharma, ghata : Phaneendra Bhaskara on Dec 24 at Indiranagara Sangeetha Sabha, Purandara Bhavana, Bengaluru

BHAVAN-INFOSYS FOUNDATION PROGRAMMES AT IIWC, BENGALURU DEC 2016.

Carnatic music by Adhiti B. Prahlad & party on Dec 9.

25 PANDANALLUR MUTHAIAH PILLAI ENDOWMENT PROGRAMME ON DEC 29 AT BVB.

Bharatanatya by Chinmayee Kamakotika Venkatraman, a disciple of Guru Revathi Satyu

Bharatiya Vidya Bhavan LIMITEDJOIN SEATS NOW : Kalabharathi : Mohiniattam Five-year Diploma Course

Admissions are open for Mohiniattam Classes at Bharatiya Vidya Bhavan. The classes will be held on Saturday between 4pm - 6pm by Guru K.P. Shruthi

26 Sat 6.00 p.m. - Khincha Hall 04 Gauri Shankar Endowment - an evening of Kathak recital PROGRAMME : by students of Guru Anjana Gupta FEBRUARY - 2017

Sat 6.00 p.m. - KRG Hall 11. Dr. N.S. Anantharangachar Memorial Endowment Lecture by Tue 11.00 a.m. - Prof. Lakshmi Tatachar 07. BVB -Infosys Foundation Topic : Dr. NSA’s contributions to Outreach programme : Vishistadwaitha Vedanta and Sugama Sangeetha Srivaishnavism Artists : Vocal : Harish Narasimha Tabla : M.C. Srinivas Keyboard : Dushyanth Rythempad : Gururaj Co-vocalist : Vidya Mohan Venue : G.R. Education Institution, Kanakapura Road, Bengaluru

Sat 6.30 p.m. - Khincha Hall 11. Horizon series - Kuchipudi dance Artist : Kalaimamani Guru Smt. Sailaja Fri 6.00 p.m. - ( Academy of Excellence in 10. A musical feature on Vidushi Sharada Dasi’s Kuchipudi and Bharatanatya) (in association with Indian Geetha Sinchana Council for Cultural Relations) Music direction : Vidhushi Fri & Sat 10.00 a.m. - Khincha Hall M.L. Bharathi 24 & 25. A two-day National Vocal : seminar about Art and Philosophy by the students with reference to Kannada cinema, Venue : Indian Institute of World Culture, Sri.T.S. Nagabharana, Coordinator. Basavanagudi, Bengaluru. In collaboration with Indian Council (in association with Infosys for Philosophical Research, Foundation) New Delhi BOOK POST

February - 2017

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