In aid of autism

‘Thanthiram' is a presentation of five tales from the Panchatantra, depicting core human values.

Padmini Krishnamurthy.

Sri Saraswathi Natyalaya, dance institution based in Muscat, Sultanate of Oman, will present a thematic Bharatanatyam programme ‘Thanthiram,' on June 24, at the Narada Gana Sabha. A charity programme, it is part of the institution's ‘Art To Heart' initiative in support of ‘We CAN – We Challenge Autism Now' (a Chennai based non-profit organisation) to raise awareness, understanding and acceptance of autism. The chief guest will be N. Murali, senior managing director, Kasturi and Sons, and the president of The Music Academy. Guests of Honour include M. Narendra (Chairman & MD, Indian Overseas Bank) and Soorya Krishnamoorthy (Founder Director of Soorya).

‘Thanthiram' is a presentation of five tales from the Panchatantra, depicting the importance of core human values.

Special theme

This theme was specifically chosen in keeping with the institution's vision and mission. The concept and lyrics are by S. Raghuraman, Tamil scholar and research guide for Bharathanatyam at the Bharatiar College, Coimbatore, and Associate Professor at A.M. Jain College, visiting Professor at Madras University and Kalakshetra. The music has been composed by Asha Ramesh (the U.S.) and rhythm composition is by Ram Mohan (Muscat).

Sri Saraswathi Natyalaya was established in 1997 in Muscat by Padmini Krishnamurthy, a senior disciple of Ranganayaki Jayaraman, director of Sri Saraswathi Gana Nilayam, Chennai. Sri Saraswathi Natyalaya has staged many thematic presentations and dance dramas including ‘Manikanda Charitram,' ‘Ramayana,' ‘Krishna Leela,' ‘Shiva Leela' and ‘Srinivasa Mahatmiyam.'

The mission of ‘We CAN' founders, Hemamalini Jairam and Gita Srikanth, has been to create public awareness, understanding and acceptance of autism through educating parents/caregivers as well as empowering autistic children to become part of society. Their website www.wecanindia.org has details on their vision, mission, activities and achievements.

This charity programme is supported by Indian Overseas Bank and Petron Oman (Platinum Sponsors), Indian Oil Corporation, Sri Krishna Sweets (Gold Sponsor). Those interested in attending the programme and contributing to the cause can purchase donor cards at Deepam Colour Labs outlets. For further details contact 96771 05105/80561 93093.