After an auto ride from Anna Salai to Thiruvanmiyur, Kalakshetra welcomes one with a comforting silence.
A quiet lane carpeted with red leaves and flowers in myriad colours leads to the auditorium where, after legendary musician M. Balamuralikrishna is led up to the stage by the chairman of Kalakshetra, Gopalkrishna Gandhi and director-in-charge, Karunker Menon, the annual convocation of Kalakshetra begins.
Dr. Balamuralikrishna, who addressed the gathering, praised the institution for having strived through the years to bring out hundreds of distinguished dancers.
With his characteristic sense of humour, he said, “I’m the most qualified person for the event because I have gone to school for three months in my lifetime and have scored a cipher. Yet, I have served in the ranks like principal and vice-chancellor in various institutions owing to the blessings of my gurus and well-wishers.”
He appreciated Kalakshetra for relentlessly continuing to follow its tradition even after years of passing away of its founder and dancer Rukmini Devi Arundale.
Forty-one students of the institution received their diplomas and post-diplomas in Bharatanatyam and Carnatic music at the annual convocation of Kalakshetra held on Wednesday.
The convocation was followed by a cultural programme.
Kalakshetra offers diplomas and post-diplomas in Bharathanatyam and Carnatic music which are four-year and two-year courses respectively.
