Sri Sumukhi Rajasekharan Foundation's 15th Anniversary

The Mylapore Trio - Amarnath, Surendranath, Aparna and Sugathan – Kalakshera Alumni and Cultural Ambassadors of Mylapore Celebrated the historic 15^th Anniversary of Sri Sumuhki Rajasekharan Memorial Foundation and Commemoration of 12th year “Kala Poshakam” on Sunday, 25th February, at Narada Gana Sabha, Chennai. The Foundation was inaugurated on 15^th February 2003 which happened to be the 11^th Remembrance Day of Smt. Sumukhi (Amma).

To Venerate the Occasion, Sugathan Mohandass performed a Thematic Bharathanatyam titled “Maadhorubaagan” which was exclusively Penned, Sung and Presented by “Sakala Kala Valli” Smt. Revathy Sankkaran. Sugathan invocated his presentation with an “Ardhanaari Stuthi” set in Valachi Raagam and Aadi Talam, composed & Sung by Smt. Revathy Sankkaran for this theme. Sugathan was sodden in the Raudra Rasa while expressing Shiva where as his graceful Laasya Bhava was extreme contrast. A male dancer dramatising a female character without compromising his masculinity is a rare genre these days. He then presented a Muthuswamy Dhikshithar’s Keertanam - “Sri Kanthimathim” set in Hemavathi Raagam and Aadi Talam. He showed the Bhakthi Bhavam towards the Mother Goddess, who resides at the banks of Thaamiraparani River. Sugathan’s beautiful Mukhabhinaya made the audience to figure out the Sanchari’s very easily. Soon after Keertanam, he performed a Padham - “Mukhathai Kaatiye Deham”, a composition of Paapanasa Mudhaliyar set in Bhairavi Raagamand Misrachappu Talam. Here Sugathan’s subtle Lokadharmic way of expressions were splendid. Yearning to see the Lord of Thiruvarur was realistic. Sugathan also showcased an item based on Mylapore Kapaleeshwarar & Karpagambal, yet another composition of Smt. Revathy Sankkaran exclusively written for this theme (Raagam Kalyani & Talam Aadi). The majesty of the presiding deity of Mylapore, was well connoted. Sugathan concluded his thematic Bharathanatyam presentation with a “Shivan Taalattu”, a very rare and unique idea of Smt. Revathy Sankkaran, set in Neelambari Raagam. Sugathan dealt this challenging piece with a motherly touch, who tries to make the Lord Shiva fall asleep. Finally the mother sleeps and Lord Shiva doesn't wink his eyes even for a moment and protects the Universe, was Sugathan’s message in the Shivan Taalattu. All the 5 songs were sung by Smt. Revathy Sankkaran in her mellifluous voice without the support of Orchestra and presented the Programme very lively.

The costume and the ornaments were designed by himself to reflect the theme. Sugathan draped a Yellow Ochre with Maroon bordered 9 yard saree, as a combination of Madisar style on his left side to represent Goddess Parvathy and Panchakacham on his right side to represent Lord Shiva. The combination of Divine Dance and Enchanting Music made audience spellbound and go in trance.

Smt. Revathy Sankkaran also presented a Short History of the Foundation and its innovative cultural journey through past 15 years in her own striking style. She mentioned Kalakshetra as the huge “Banyan Tree” and compared the Foundation as a replica bonsai Banyan Tree of Mylapore (Sumukhi Rajasekharan) whose first three branches are “The Mylapore Trio”, the other branches being the members and the small branch, which shot up, is Sugathan. She also referred to Smt. Nagammal Paati The Patron of the Foundation as the main branch was a pillar of support. Smt. Revathy Sankkaran listed the activities, achievements and accomplishments of the Foundation over the past 15 years. She delivered the message to the audience in a very Novel way. She conveyed the details in a nutshell but said the list is infinite and dramatically opened a scroll, which ran for few meters, symbolically stating that the Foundation’s contribution to the society is immeasurable. In this innovative idea of preparing this symbolic scroll, one could see the roman hand of her Better half Shri. Sankkaran.

On this Special Day distinct Titles and Awards were  conferred and presented to distinguished artists in the field of Dance and Music appropriately.

Smt. “R. Nagammal Swarna Kalas” Rolling Trophy was presented to Smt.Usha Mohan (Music Guru) for her Students’ large participation in the 16^th year “Margazhi Bala Utsavam” 2018.

Guru Smt. Uma Murali – Carnatic Vocalist, Veena and Keyboard player – Founder of “Shri Muralidhara Guruji Vidhyalayam” was conferred “Gaana Guru Chinthaamani” and presented Recognition Award – “Gopura Kalasam” in Carnatic Music. She was the First Music Guru associated with Our Foundation from the First “Margazhi Bala Utsavam” on 25th December 2002. She and her students including her own daughter have enthusiatiacally participated and performed in our innovative value based events by religiously adhering to our dress code. Her students have won several Prizes, Awards and Laurels from Our Foundation and the First and Foremost “Vaadhya Bala Brahmam” title was conferred on her student. 

Guru Smt. Sasirekha Raammohan – Guru and Director Kanagasabai was conferred “Nrithya Guru Chinthaamani” and presented Recognition Award – “Gopura Kalasam” for her significant achievements in Bharathanatyam., as a Perfromer & Guru, she is the First Dance Guru associated with Our Organisation from the Day One i.e., 15th February 2003, The Inaugural Day of the Foundation and has played multiple roles in various capacities in supporting Our Organisation during its formative years. She and her students including her own children have participated and performed in all Our programmes and have won many laurels including the First Talent Award.

Chi. N. Ram Sundar – Classical Violin Exponent was conferred the title “Vaadhya Yuva Brahmam” for his instrumental expertise on Violin and was presented the Recognition Award – “Gopura Kalasam” to him for his Commendable Talents and Laudable Performances. He has been associated with our Foundation for many years and have won many Prizes in the Instrumenatal Music competitions conducted by our Foundation.  We were the first and foremost to give him an oppurtunity for his Maiden Performance in Chennai and continue to do so. He replicates the Late. Violin Mastro Kunnakudi Vaidyanathan in style, while playing vintage Tamil songs and captivates the audience.

Both the Gurus were acknowledged for their prowess and achievements in Music and Dance respectively. All the Awardees carried a Gold lacquered Temple Kalasam as Memento and a Citation.

On this occasion, Twenty-One Special Prize Winners of 16th “Margazhi Bala Utsavam” received their, Multi-Talent, Proficiency and Talent Prizes and also Participants of 16^th year “Bala Vidhwan Bavani” were given away Certificates.

The Auditorium was nearly full with Children, Parents, Guests and Rasikas who cheered the Awardees with their applause and appreciation. The stage decor was of a different variety with  red, green and golden designs. To enhance the flavor, all the Foundation Members presented themselves in gorgeous  Traditional Attire in Kasi Pattu sarees.