The Hindu : Andhra Pradesh News : Kuchipudi to be converted into ‘Shilpakalaramam’

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Wednesday, Jan 07, 2009
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Andhra Pradesh

Andhra Pradesh

Kuchipudi to be converted into ‘Shilpakalaramam’

Staff Reporter

Pasumarthi Venugopala Krishna Sarma presented with ‘Siddhendra Narthana Puraskaram’

‘Kuchipudi Natyotsavam’ concludes
Telugu varsity holding dance fest for last three years

PHOTO: CH. VIJAYA BHASKAR

Moment of glory: District Collector N. Sridhar and others felicitate eminent Kuchipudi dancer Pasumarthi Venugopala Krishna Sarma at Kuchipudi Natyotsavam at Kuchipudi in Krishna district on Tuesday. —

KUCHIPUDI (Krishna dist): Underscoring the need for increasing the patronage among public for ancient art forms like Kuchipudi dance, Krishna district Collector N. Sridhar on Tuesday announced that the State Government had plans to construct a closed auditorium and cottages on the premises of Sri Siddhendra Yogi Kuchipudi Kalapeetham here.

“This place will be converted into a Shilpakalaramam soon,” he announced, addressing the valedictory of the three-day ‘Kuchipudi Natyotsavam’ organised jointly by the Potti Sriramulu Telugu University and the Department of Culture. He felicitated eminent Kuchipudi dancer Pasumarthi Venugopala Krishna Sarma with ‘Siddhendra Narthana Puraskaram’, consisting of a cash prize of Rs. 50,000.

Mr. Sridhar observed that patronage for cultural dance forms had been decreasing gradually and there was a drop in the number of students pursuing dance courses. “Contrary to this dismal scenario here, people settled abroad are conducting dance festivals frequently and encouraging their wards to learn the art form,” he noted.

Vice-Chancellor of Krishna University M.K. Durga Prasad wanted the present generation to introduce the ancient culture and traditions of the land to their children. “Our grandchildren and great grandchildren must be able to know about the greatness of Kuchipudi art form and evince keen interest in learning it,” he felt.

He observed that learning Kuchipudi would help people improve their health, besides enjoying a great level of self satisfaction. Recollecting his childhood days, Dr. Durga Prasad said he used to discuss with his friends at least for one week after watching the performance of Kuchipudi dance troupe in their village temple. The youngsters of the present generation had different preferences, he observed. Vice-Chancellor of Potti Sriramulu Telugu University Anumandla Bhumaiah said the university had been conducting the festival in the village for the last three years and there was a gradual increase in the patronage. “Art lovers from various parts of the globe are coming here to take part in the festival. The support from local dance gurus is amazing and we are enjoying conducting the festival here,” he observed.

Dancers Pasumarthi Venkateswarlu, Chinta Srimannarayana and Vedantam Srirama Sarma were felicitated on the occasion. University Registrar T. Gowri Sankar and journalist Ch. Purnachandra Rao were present.

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