The governing board of Kalakshetra is likely to meet soon, to discuss the issue of the resignation of Leela Samson, who held the post of director until April 30.
Four members – A.C. Muthiah, Preetha Reddy, N. Murali and Madhavi Mudgal – wrote to chairman of the board Gopalkrishna Gandhi, asking for an “emergency meeting” to be convened. The members had expressed their shock and disappointment with how the resignation was dealt with.
According to the members, Mr. Gandhi is said to have agreed to convene a meeting shortly. “Some of us on the board are upset with how he [Mr. Gandhi] dealt with this resignation. We feel it should have been handled more responsibly. We have raised the issue with the Ministry of Culture as well,” a member told The Hindu on Thursday.
Meanwhile, campaigns demanding the reinstatement of Leela Samson have sprung up in forums on the internet. A signature campaign, which nearly 1,000 artistes from all over the world have signed, is on its way to the Ministry of Culture.
Artistes have written to the governing board, expressing their shock and requesting the board to have Ms. Samson reappointed. In her letter to the board members, Bharatanatyam exponent Priyadarshini Govind said: “It is common knowledge that a lot of vested interests have been attempting to create roadblocks for her from the time that she assumed the Directorship of Kalakshetra. Despite this, she has, with good faith and vision, brought about much positive change in Kalakshetra.”
Suggesting that she be reinstated as director, Ms. Govind wrote: “A person of such continued dynamism and vision should not be restricted by something as inconsequential as age limits.”
Academicians and scholars, including art historian Sunil Kothari, author Leela Venkataraman, and other artistes from the United States, have written to the chairman and some board members asking for Leela Samson to be brought back as director.
Leela Samson stepped down as director of Kalakshetra on April 12, much to the shock of many. The decision followed a board meeting held on April 10, and the Ministry accepted her resignation on April 20.
While some board members felt that she was “cornered” and forced to take the decision, other sources maintained that she may have stepped down since a few people present at the meeting raised concerns about her age and certain procedural irregularities cited in a CAG (Comptroller and Auditor General) report.
Keywords: Kalakshetra Foundation, Leela Samson, Gopalkrishna Gandhi
India is a country with about 85% of Hindu population. No one doubts the secular credentials of the armed forces of India. Varuna mantra is inscribed on the flag of Indian Navy. Dronacharya's statue is installed at the entrance of National Defence Academy. Missiles are named after the pancha budas - agni, prithvi and akash. Minorities and secularists should learn to be tolerant and respect the sentiments of the majority.
The previous Kalakshetra Board was full of south Indian artistes like Padma Subramniam, Balamurali, Lalgudi, Kunnakudi and Viajayanthimala. The present board is full of money bags, media barons, industrialists, a few north indian artistes and present and past bureaucrats. They cannot be expected to handle the issue better.
kalakshetra is a publicly funded institution. Those spending the tax payers' money should be prepared to face the CWG. They cannot simply run away. CBI followed CAG in the case of 2G and CWG. I only wish and pray Kalakshetra doesn't face it
“Kalakshetra” the institution that preserves traditional values was formed as a dream to propagate Indian arts, especially Bharatanatyam by Smt. Rukmani Devi Arundale. She gave a real face lift by introducing Kalakshetra style.
The latest crisis developed in the establishment should be sorted out with utmost care. The sudden resignation of Ms. Leela Samson has created confusion among the public. The real issue is also not brought to light.
After 60 years of experience her service is highly valuable. This is not a government job to get retired at 60.When a person can dance at the age of 80, is it not possible for them to do justice to administration at the age of 60.
Most of the important positions in our country like Prime Minister, President and so on are held by our Senior Citizens. Are they not capable of proper administration? In my view age is not the real issue here. It is our National Pride. It is very much essential for the government to interfere if necessary and sort out this issue. It is just not fare to let such a great exponent of Bharathanatyam and the most loving Disciple of Smt. Rukmani Devi to step down from the responsibilities.
Cultural institutions should not be handled by the Government and should be run autonomously. However, we need to also check if she has been running it in conformity with the glorious Sanatana Dharma (aka Hindu) cultural ethos. Certainly the founder of the institution, Smt. Rukmini Devi was aware of the Hindu crucible in which Nrutya was synthesized. I have got doubts about the current situation in Kalakshetra after reading the well researched book written by Shri. Rajiv Malhotra and Shri. Aravindan Neelakandan. Hence, I am willing to say that two wrongs could make one right, and agree with the Board's decision.
Under leadership of Ms Leela Samson, The Kalakshetra was becoming one more JNU intellectual elite group, backed by communists and agnostics. Without a true grounding of Bhakthi, the dance and drama aspect of Bharathanatyam is mere futile. These were the exact accusations on Ms.Leela Samson.She seems to have tried to de-hinduize this art and naturally it did not go well is larger people.
Ms. Samson is an exceptional artist and a brilliant choreographer. From the opinions of the people quoted in this article it seems to be that she is also an excellent administrator. But if the government cannot tolerate excellence, and wants to let her go, then it is their loss. Now dance aficionados can perhaps look forward to enjoying new productions from Ms Samson's dance company if she decides to pick up where she left off pre-Kalakshetra. I for one sincerely hope she also amps up her solo performing schedule!!!
I am bewildered as to why this “kalashetra” bleeding still continues. My impression was that she was allowed to carry on with her role in the present capacity. I opine that Ms. Leela Samson is punished for doing her job and doing it right. My question is who are these people who are opposed to her? Why scrutinize her credentials openly, while they themselves hide under the cloak of privacy? What are their complaints? What do they want? I am sure that it could not be issues related to the quality and honesty. The great paper like “The Hindu,” should publish their name so that we the citizenry can scrutinize them and judge for ourselves if their criticism is warranted. The time is ripe to put an end to this issue.
Whatever did she do that is being kept from the public since how can a candidate of Sonia Gandhi be dispensed with unceremoniously, even by the esteemed scion of India's second-most important ancestral brand, after the Nehru's of course?! What ever is the world coming, to undermining all our recently established certainties?
It is a sad commentary of the manner the Chairman of Kalakshetra -
Gopal Krishna Gandhi - handled the matter. Leela Samson's stature and
work are wellknown. She has done much justice to this heritage
cultural institution of national importance. Miscellaneous issues
shall always crop up in adminstering such an institute but this should
not at all prejudice the good works done. Age should not be a limiting
factor for prestigeous posts unless a new incumbent of impeccable
qualities and qualifications can be found to replace the outgoing
director. Gopal Krishna Gandhi has only the name 'Gandhi' and
'relation' to the 'Father of the Nation' as his qualification. His
asset is the trademark Khadi that he wears to swear for his simplicity
and integrity. Otherwise he does not at all deserve a royal living at
the expense of the exchequer as there is no worthwhile contribution he
has done for our country. Diplomacy is his trait of character for
enjoying the riches of life.
Ms Leela Samson has to be reappointed.She has revived the spirit of Smt Rukmini Devi Aurendale in Kalakshetra.As a senior member of The Theosophical Society ,one wishes that the great institution of arts ,the child of the legendary Rukminidevi to be flourished and never to be withered away into history by non management.The attitude of some retired teachers of Kalakshetra who want Ms Leela Samson to go on attaining the age of sixty is deplorable.
What little I know of Kalachethra and Leela Samson,Leela was in full charge to take Kalachethra forward to greater heights.People with no responsibility find unfounded wrongs and criticize.Many should join hands to do what they can to instal her back to her Director's seat to persue her plans.May God be with the right.
"Ministry of Culture" - typical communistic or dictatorship type of
department. Democratic Govts. should not get involved in "culture".
If your want to give aid give and forget. And these so called Organisations should not take aid from Govt. "1000 artistes all over
the world .." Donate and promote culture. Remember the famous saying
"You cant have the cake and eat it too."
Age should not be a factor if the person concerned is deemed to contribute more than the replacement.Art has no age and age has no art.She has the support not only in India but throughout the world.
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