ollowing the celebration of its golden jubilee in Kuala Lumpur, Bharatha Kalanjalii Malaysia returned to where its journey first began five decades ago. Proudly presenting “Naatya Seva”, a nostalgic homecoming performance that highlighted the artistic journey of Shrimathi Meera Venugopal, a distinguished disciple of Nritya Choodamani Padmabhushan Dr. V. P. Dhananjayan & Nritya Choodamani Padmabhushan Shrimathi Shanta Dhananjayan. To date, she has choreographed 272 set items and pieces over a span of 35 years, a testament to her creativity and enduring passion for the art.
The Sanskrit terminology “Naatya” refers to the expressive cultural art of dance while “Seva” signifies selfless and meaningful service, the combination of which embodies a dual aspect of dance being offered as a form of devotion and service through dance. This philosophy well reflects the academy’s goal in nurturing dedication to the divine art in students while instilling the practice of acts of service throughout their lives.
On 30 May 2026, the academy brought this vision to life through Naatya Seva, a special performance that celebrates the spirit of service through the performance of the art. Beyond showcasing the classical art, through this initiative, the academy aimed to raise funds in
support of the Perak Association For Intellectually Disabled (PAFID), a charitable organisation founded to provide for the educational needs, vocational training and rehabilitation of the intellectually disabled in Perak and the academy had donated RM 10,000 generated by the event to PAFID.
The event’s community-centered mission was clearly reflected in the overwhelming support it received, drawing an attendance of approximately 300 people from all walks of life. The strong turnout underscored the collective spirit of giving and the community’s commitment to uplifting those in need. The academy has reaffirmed its dedication to organizing similar initiatives in the future, with a particular focus on supporting underprivileged communities. The academy will continue to focus its programs’ mission to provide support the underprivileged, especially children and promote educational opportunities, helping to create a more inclusive and empowering environment for future generations.
The event featured performances by students from the school’s founding days in Ipoh, together with those who continued its legacy in Klang, uniting to share the stage to express their heartfelt devotion to the art of Bharatanatyam. Highlights included heritage pieces choreographed by the Masters Dhananjayans, rooted deep in the school’s rich and distinctive artistic lineage. Audiences wére amazed by the intricate and expressive choreographies by Shrimathi Meera Venugopal, infused with an electrifying vitality and refreshing dynamism brought to life on the stage.
The musical pieces are brought to life by the remarkable talents of the vocalist, whose expressive performance adds depth and emotion to each composition. Complementing the vocals are the mridangist and violinist, whose skillful accompaniment creates a vibrant and engaging atmosphere throughout the performance. Together, the trio delivers a dynamic musical experience that captivates audiences and highlights the richness of the tradition.
Source: K. Nachemutu
