About Kalakshetra, the institute that moulded Nitya

Kalakshetra, as the name suggests, means 'the temple of arts' (Kala means 'art' and kshetra means 'holy space' in Sanskrit language).

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Kalakshetra, Chennai, was established in January 1936, by the Late Smt. Rukmini Devi Arundale, with the sole aim of preserving and propagating the tradition and culture of Indian art, especially dance and music. From the time of its establishment, Kalakshetra has been the fountainhead for training young men and women in the divine classical arts of our country, especially Bharatanatyam and Carnatic Music. It has always aimed at excellence and discipline in its approach towards arts, and has strived to maintain its motto of "education without fear and beauty without vulgarity."

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Kalakshetra was established at a time when the country was parched and broken culturally, due to the British invasion. Its sole purpose was to showcase the beauty of our culture and inculcate pride about our tradition and culture among the people of India. The institution has the unique distinction of having great scholars and musicians such as Tiger Varadachariar, Mysore Vasudevachariar, Papanasam Sivan, Meenakshi Sundaram Pillai, Mylapore Gowri Ammal, Veenai Sambasiva Iyer, Budulur Krishnamurthy Sastri, H. Ramachandra Sastri, M. D. Ramanathan, Chandu Panikkar and a host of other geniuses as Principals and Professors in their respective disciplines. Starting from the time of its establishment by very eminent art personalities of that time, Kalakshetra has attained national importance and is recognised by the Government of India as a temple of art and as an institute of national importance. After the demise of its founder Smt. Rukmini Devi, recognising the great traditions of Kalakshetra and its importance in the cultural scenario, the Government of India decided to declare the Institution as 'an Institute of National Importance.' Accordingly the "Kalakshetra Foundation Act" was passed in 1994. Effectively, the institution became an autonomous body of the Department of Culture, Ministry of Human Resource Development, Government of India. Over the years, Kalakshetra grew in stature and strength, and is now recognised worldwide.

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In the words of its great founder, the Late Smt. Rukmini Devi Arundale, "Kalakshetra is an institution with the sole purpose of resuscitating in modern India, recognition of the priceless artistic traditions of our country, and of imparting to the young the true spirit of art, devoid of vulgarity and commercialism."

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A Tribute to Smt. Rukmini Devi Arundale, the Visionary Founder of Kalakshetra

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Smt. Rukmini Devi Arundale was one of the most prominent personalities of the 20th century, whose single-handed contributions have gone a long way in enriching the cultural and artistic heritage of India. Born on 29th February, 1904, into a traditional Brahmin family, she inherited a rich cultural heritage suffused with learning. Smt. Rukmini Devi took up the cause of revival of Indian art and went forth with great determination and gusto despite strong public protest. She had the courage not only to learn the Bharatanatyam classical dance form but also present it on a public platform at a time when dance was looked down upon as a derogatory profession.

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Smt. Rukmini Devi devoted her entire life for the revival and re-establishment of the arts and crafts of India. She was a true pioneer and a fearless crusader, the first high-born Indian lady to embrace the cause of Bharatanatyam, which was considered as a low and vulgar art in the early twentieth century. Smt. Rukmini Devi recognised the beauty and spiritual value of this art form, and established Kalakshetra in order to train the younger generation in this divine art form.

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Smt. Rukmini Devi was nominated as a member of the Rajya Sabha by the President of Republic India, in 1952 and again in 1956. She was associated with various humanitarian organisations and was largely responsible for the 'Prevention of cruelty to animals Act' and for setting up the Animal Welfare Board.

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Smt. Rukmini Devi's greatest contribution was the integration of all forms of art and their regional variants. Her composition of dance dramas bring out the various aspects of Indian culture and tradition and have been recognised the world over as unique and truly reflecting Indian culture and tradition. Smt. Rukmini Devi, is truly the embodiment of the wonderfully rich cultural heritage of our country, and continues to inspire and motivate thousands of people from the younger generation to try and follow her footsteps.