Anniversary fete
V. KALADHARAN
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The 76th anniversary of Kerala Kalamandalam saw luminaries from various fields gathering on its premises to celebrate the event.
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MAESTRO'S BEAT: Ustad Fiaz Khan.
The Koothambalam of Kerala Kalamandalam once again came alive with its 76th anniversary celebrations. The occasion coincided with the swearing-in ceremony of the new governing body of Kalamandalam headed by O.N.V. Kurup.
Poets' meet
Poet Akkitham inaugurated the poets' meet. Noted poets of the old and the new generations later recited their poems. While delivering the Vallathol memorial speech, Sukumar Azhikode, social critic, recalled his association with the poet. O.N.V. emphasised the need for retaining the quintessence of the gurukula system of training even as Kalamandalam becomes a deemed university.
A tabala recital of Ustad Fiaz Khan of the Delhi gharana was held on the same day. For more than an hour, the mesmerising fingers of the Ustad created melody. He seemed to have forgotten his ailments and appeared to be recalling his heyday when he accompanied great musicians such as Ustad Amir Khan, Ustad Vilayat Khan, Pandit Ravisankar, Bhimsen Joshi and so on. Fiaz Khan was assisted by his disciples. Hari Alancode played the santoor. The concert had a hypnotic effect on the audience.
Chakyarkoothu.
It was followed by Painkulam Cheriya Rama Chakyar's Chakyarkoothu. There were plenty of occasions for diatribes as the context he chose for interpretation was Duryodhana's visit to Lord Krishna for seeking support in the Kurukshetra battle. The sharp tongue of the Chakyar lashed out against political manoeuvrings and cultural hypocrisy.
The teachers and students of Kalamandalam later presented some new items in Mohiniyattam, Bharatanatyam and Kuchipudi.
The programmes concluded with the staging of Mahakavi Vallathol's Kathakali play `Oushadhaharanam.'
(The writer is publicity and research officer of Kerala Kalamandalam)
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