Thiruvananthapuram,07 March (H.S.):

For more than two decades, Natyaveda, based in Thiruvananthapuram, has been a vibrant cultural institution dedicated to promoting, preserving and propagating the rich traditions of Indian performing arts.

Established in the year 2000, the organisation began as a small gathering of artists, scholars and art lovers who shared a common passion for Indian art and culture.

Over the years, Natyaveda has grown into a respected cultural platform that connects performers, scholars, amateurs and connoisseurs from diverse artistic backgrounds. Registered under the Charitable Societies Act (Reg No. 1494/04) and affiliated with the Kerala Sangeetha Nataka Akademi, the organisation has steadily expanded its cultural outreach through a range of initiatives.

Natyaveda regularly conducts workshops, seminars, lecture demonstrations and cultural festivals focusing on various aspects of Indian art and culture. These initiatives provide opportunities for artists to present their work, exchange ideas and deepen public appreciation for classical traditions.

The driving force behind the institution is Smt. Kalamandalam Sony, a dedicated dancer and teacher who founded Natyaveda and continues to guide its activities as the Director of Natyaveda College of Performing Arts. Dance has been her passion since childhood. She began her initial training under Sri Rajan Master before pursuing formal education in classical dance at Kerala Kalamandalam, one of the most prestigious institutions for performing arts in the country. There she completed a four-year diploma in classical dance with specialisation in Mohiniyattam.

She later pursued higher academic qualifications in classical dance, completing graduation in Bharatanatyam and a diploma in Kathak from Indira Kala Sangeet Vishwavidyalaya (IKSVV), popularly known as Khairagarh University in Chhattisgarh.

Sony began her teaching career in 1997 by establishing a dance institution in her native town Ponnani. After moving to Thiruvananthapuram, she founded Natyaveda Centre for Performing Arts in 2000, which later evolved into a major cultural and academic institution.

A significant milestone in Natyaveda’s journey came in 2010, when the institution became affiliated with Indira Kala Sangeet Vishwavidyalaya and was transformed into Natyaveda College of Performing Arts. By combining the traditional Gurukula system of training with university-recognised academic courses, the institution created a unique educational model for aspiring artists.

Today, the college offers four-year Bachelor of Performing Arts (B.P.A.) programmes in Bharatanatyam, Carnatic Vocal and Hindustani Vocal. It also conducts diploma programmes in Bharatanatyam, Kathak, Carnatic vocal, Hindustani vocal music, Sitar and Tabla, along with a Diploma in Yoga. Special programmes such as Geetanjali (Junior and Senior) introduce young students to the fundamentals of music and performing arts.

Natyaveda holds several notable distinctions in performing arts education. It is the only affiliated college of Khairagarh University in South India, and the first institution in Kerala to offer university-certified performing arts courses for students from Class 5 onwards. It also remains the only institution in the state offering diploma programmes in Sitar, Tabla and Kathak dance under university affiliation.

Students of the institution have earned national recognition by securing first, second and third ranks in Bharatanatyam examinations conducted by IKSVV. Natyaveda is also the only affiliated college to have presented performances at the prestigious Khairagarh Festival, organised jointly by the Government of Chhattisgarh and Khairagarh University.

The late Padma Vibhushan Kavalam Narayana Panicker, one of India’s most respected theatre personalities, served as the guru and patron of Natyaveda until his passing. His vision shaped many of the organisation’s artistic initiatives, including the Mohini Festival, a dance festival dedicated to enriching and celebrating the repertoire of Mohiniyattam.

Alongside her role as an institution builder, Kalamandalam Sony continues to remain active as a performer, especially in Mohiniyattam, which she pursues with deep passion. She regularly performs at major cultural festivals and temple venues across the country. Her performances have been featured at festivals such as the Mamallapuram Festival, Khairagarh Festival, Shilparamam Festival and the Margazhi Festival, among others.

As the Founder-Director and principal guru of Natyaveda College, Sony has devoted herself to nurturing the talents of numerous dance aspirants, guiding them to become accomplished performers and ambassadors of Indian classical arts.

Guided by the vision “Arts for a Better World,” Natyaveda continues to explore the legacy of Indian civilisation while using art as a powerful medium to inspire creativity and bring cultural enrichment to society.

---------------

Hindusthan Samachar / Arun Lakshman