Celebrating a century
STUDENTS, TEACHING and non-teaching staff of the Andhra University celebrated the birth centenary of the late Kurma Venugopalaswamy, Registrar of the University for a little over two decades till his retirement in 1963. He was known for his contribution to all forms of fine arts, the theatre arts in particular. The celebrations concluded with a two-day national seminar on performing arts - past, present and future.
The vibrant Kuchipudi recital presented by the sprightly young danseuse, Gummuluri Krishna Swetha, provided a grand finale to the first day's proceedings of the seminar.
Swetha's guru, Akundi Ramakrishna expertly wielded the cymbals, while Dwaram V.K.G. Thyagaraju with the able support on the `mridangam' by G. Venkata Rao, violin by K. Neeladri Rao, flute by T. Atchutha Rao and harp by G.R.K. Prasad , provided evocative vocal support.
Starting with `Vinayaka Koutham' in `Naata', she danced her way into the hearts of the audience presenting the `Thyagaraja Pancharatna Kriti', Endaromahanubhavulu (Sri Raagam) followed by a lyric on the Chidambara Nataraja in `Raagamalika', `Madhyamavathi Kriti' of Thyagaraja, `Alakaladagagani,' `Krishna Maayintiki Raavo' (an adaptation of `Krishna Nee Begaane Baaro' in Telugu), Annamayya's `Okaparikokapari' in `Kharaharapriya' and the `Kuntalavarali' `thilana `of Balamurali. Her mastery over the technique of footwork in perfect synchrony with `abhinaya' surfaced aesthetic pleasure.
The next evening again witnessed an engaging mimicry show by Nandu and Ramesh followed by the staging of a poetic play titled `Chiruthondanambi' (Nandi award winner) scripted and directed by the doyen of theatre, Meegada Ramalingaswamy. Rendering the versified dialogues in appropriately chosen ragas with the display of excellent histrionic talent Meegada and Ratna Sastry stole the show.
Convenor of the centenary celebration committee, K.V. Rao of the Department of Chemical Engineering, and co-convenor, Chandu Subba Rao introduced the artistes, A.U. Vice-Chancellor , Y.C. Simhadri, chairman of the committee, presented the mementos.
A. RAMALINGA SASTRY
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