Latest news with #KeralaKalamandalam
The Hindu
2 days ago
- Business
- The Hindu
Kerala needs a comprehensive creative economy policy to unlock growth potential
As Kerala positions itself toward a knowledge-based economy, it is imperative that we recognise and harness the untapped potential of the creative and cultural sector — a sector that has long flourished informally but now deserves structured policy attention and investment. Kerala's demographic and economic realities make a strong case for embracing the creative economy. Traditional industrialisation is challenged by the State's limited land availability, high population density, and comparatively high labour costs. Moreover, youth aspirations have shifted dramatically. Many young Keralites, while globally renowned for their work ethic — particularly in healthcare and IT sectors — are increasingly reluctant to take up blue-collar jobs back home. As a result, it is estimated that over one-third of Kerala's informal workforce now comes from other Indian States. While Kerala has made notable strides in the IT and consulting sectors, inclusive development demands we address opportunities for those outside the formal tech pipeline — particularly freelancers, women, and creative entrepreneurs. According to the Periodic Labour Force Survey 2023, Kerala's female labour force participation stands at only 25.5%, far below the national average of 37%, despite having the highest female literacy rate in the country. Cultural and creative legacy Kerala has always punched above its weight culturally. Malayalam cinema, acclaimed for its storytelling and innovation, has earned national and international recognition— with recent blockbusters reaching audiences far beyond state borders. Events such as the Kochi-Muziris Biennale, Asia's largest contemporary art festival, and traditional spectacles such as Thrissur Pooram and Nehru Trophy Boat Race, attract global visitors — yet their economic impact remains largely unmeasured and underleveraged. The creative talent pool in Kerala is broad and dynamic — spanning film, animation, visual effects, architecture, design, advertising, performing arts, fine arts, and digital media. The success of Keralites across global creative industries is a testament to this vibrant ecosystem. This has not happened by accident — it is the result of progressive movements, social investments, and education reforms over the decades. Cultural capital to creative capital Kerala's cultural richness is deeply embedded in its architecture, literature, and traditional art forms such as Kathakali, Mohiniyattam, Theyyam, and Koodiyattam — many of which are now recognised as UNESCO Intangible Cultural Heritage. Institutions such as Kerala Kalamandalam, established in 1930 and now a Deemed University, have not only preserved endangered art forms but also attracted international students, making Kerala a hub of cultural exchange. The State has also invested in contemporary institutions such as the K.R. Narayanan National Institute of Visual Science and Arts and the Kerala State Institute of Design, alongside a growing network of media schools and fine arts colleges. These are strong building blocks for a formal creative economy. Time for a unified policy approach Despite this potential, Kerala's creative sector remains fragmented and underserved. While progressive initiatives such as the Kerala Design Policy and the AVGC-XR Policy (focusing on animation, visual effects, gaming, comics, and extended reality) are commendable, a comprehensive, inclusive, and coordinated 'Creative Economy Policy' is urgently needed. Such a policy should: Recognise all sub-sectors — from performing arts and digital content to crafts and design. Support entrepreneurship, local economic development, and export-readiness. Enable structured skilling, mentoring, and incubation for creative professionals. Drive inclusion, particularly for women, youth, and traditional artisans. Build robust infrastructure for festivals, residencies, and marketplaces. A global template Kerala can look to models such as the UK's Creative Industries Council, a cross-industry body that advises the government on the needs and opportunities in the sector. A similar entity in Kerala — a Kerala Creative Industries Council — could streamline policies, remove duplication across departments, and provide long-term strategic guidance. An economic engine for the future The creative economy is projected to represent 10% of global GDP by 2030, according to UNESCO. India's Ministry of Information & Broadcasting has already identified the AVGC-XR sector as a 'sunrise industry', and global players such as Netflix and Amazon are investing heavily in Indian content. Kerala is well-positioned to ride this wave. With geographic charm, cultural depth, and abundant talent, the State has all the ingredients to become the 'Cannes of India' — a hub for creative excellence, tourism, and cultural commerce. What Kerala needs now is a focussed, inclusive, and tech-enabled strategy to turn its cultural capital into creative capital. With the right ecosystem, we can build a future where Kerala's creative products are 'Made in Kerala, Consumed by the World.' The author is Country Head, World Design Council – India
New Indian Express
2 days ago
- Entertainment
- New Indian Express
Kerala Kalamandalam marks 60 years of Kutiyattam legacy with global festival
CHERUTHURUTHY/THRISSUR: Sixty years ago, a quiet cultural revolution unfolded in the heart of Kerala. In 1965, Kerala Kalamandalam etched its name in the annals of art history by becoming the first public institution to introduce Koothu and Kutiyattam—the world's oldest surviving Sanskrit theatre tradition, as academic disciplines. This landmark decision, under the stewardship of legendary maestro Guru Painkulam Ramachakyar, would go on to rescue an ancient ritual art from the fading shadows of obscurity. Now, in 2025, Kerala Kalamandalam is set to mark this extraordinary legacy with a grand celebration - the International Festival of Kutiyattam (IFK-2025). The five-day global gathering that began on Tuesday (from July 29 to August 2), promises to be both a tribute and a forward-looking exploration of an art form that continues to evolve. Kutiyattam, once performed in temple theatres for select audiences, is a complex blend of classical Sanskrit drama, stylised gestures (mudras), facial expressions (rasas), and musical accompaniment. Passed down through generations of Chakyars and Nangiars, the form teetered on the edge of extinction by the mid-20th century. Enter Guru Painkulam Ramachakyar - an artist and reformer - who, through Kerala Kalamandalam, opened the art to institutional training, public performance, and academic inquiry.
The Hindu
3 days ago
- Entertainment
- The Hindu
International Festival of Kutiyattam begins on July 29
To commemorate 60 years of Kutiyattam's institutional journey, the Department of Kutiyattam at the Kerala Kalamandalam Deemed to be University for Art & Culture is organising the International Festival of Kutiyattam (IFK-2025). This landmark event celebrates the classical Sanskrit theatre's legacy and its evolution within a public academic institution since its formal inclusion in Kalamandalam six decades ago. The festival will be held at Kalamandalam campus, Cheruthuruthy, from July 29 to August 2, 2025. Over the last sixty years Kerala Kalamandalam has significantly contributed to the sustenance of the world's oldest living Sanskrit theatre tradition, nationally and internationally, through its repertoire and academic excellence. The five-day event brings together practitioners, scholars, and enthusiasts from across the world. The festival will be inaugurated by by eminent dancer Padma Subrahmanyam on Tuesday at 9:30 a.m. in the presence of B. Ananthakrishnan, Vice-Chancellor of Kerala Kalamandalam, P. Rajeshkumar, Registrar, and a gathering of distinguished artists and scholars. The opening day will also include a seminar session on Natyashastra, setting the tone for the academic depth and artistic excellence that define the festival. Major Highlights of IFK-2025 include daily performances by leading Kutiyattam artists including Padmasree Kalamandalam Sivan Nambuthiri, Kalamandalam Ramachakyar, Ammannur Kuttan Chakyar, Kalamandalam Girija, Kalamandalam Eswaranunni, Usha Nangiar and Kapila. There will academic sessions with the participation of experts. Guru Painkulam Ramachakyar Memorial Day will be observed on July 31, commemorating the late guru's impact on the art form with a floral tribute, memorial conference, and performances. As the world's oldest surviving Sanskrit theatre tradition, Kutiyattam occupies a unique place in global heritage. Its preservation owes much to cultural pioneers like Guru Painkulam Ramachakyar and institutions like Kerala Kalamandalam, whose rigorous training programmes, academic inquiry, and curated performances keep the art alive and relevant.
The Hindu
12-07-2025
- Entertainment
- The Hindu
Echoes of empowerment: ‘Penkaalangal' resonates at National Percussion Festival
A session titled 'Pennkaalangal,' meaning 'female rhythms,' drew a packed audience at the K.T. Muhammed Theatre on the second day of the National Percussion Festival on Saturday organised by the Kerala Sangeetha Nataka Akademi. The session opened with a captivating address by Mohiniyattam exponent and scholar Deepti Omchery Bhalla, who brought alive the poetic beauty of Mohiniyattam's padavarnnas, joined in soulful vocal support by Suprabha from Kerala Kalamandalam. Amritavarshini, a bold presence in the male-dominated thavil tradition, led a vibrant ensemble titled Yuvathaalatharangam. Her powerful performance set the stage pulsing. The akademi's platform was more than a stage—it was a resounding endorsement of Ms. Amritavarshini's rhythmic breakthrough in a patriarchal domain. Change and revival Adding to the tapestry of resistance and reclamation was Margamkali, once the bastion of male performers. With Akhila Joshi, Sibi Paul, and team at the helm, the presentation was a declaration of change and revival. From the traditionally male-dominated art of Thullal, a powerful performance by Kalamandalam Sharmila and troupe took centre stage, turning the form into a space for gender assertion and narrative justice. In the tabla segment, Mumbai's Mukta Raste proved that rhythm knows no gender. Her commanding tabla recital, accompanied by Santosh Ghande on harmonium, was yet another resonant statement of female prowess. The session culminated with an exhilarating thayambaka led by Nandini Varma and team. At a time when women were absent from chenda performances, Ms. Varma carved a niche through sheer dedication and grit. Her journey mirrored the struggles and triumphs of countless women percussionists. Pennkaalangal was not just a session. It was the akademi's heartfelt recognition of women percussionists, a rhythmic rebellion against patriarchy, and an ode to every woman who dared to beat the drum and reclaim her space. The second day of the percussion festival began with a stirring performance that defied time and age. The stage at the Actor Murali Theatre came alive with the majestic rhythms of Panchari Melam, led by none other than 80-year-old Therozhi Ramakuruppu and his ensemble. Youthful zest With a vibrant spirit that belied his age, Mr. Ramakuruppu took the chenda and began the performance with youthful zest. As the first beats echoed across the theatre, the sonic and visual splendour of the Melam captivated both eyes and hearts. Arriving at the venue early in the morning, Mr. Ramakuruppu was warmly welcomed by the akademi chairperson Mattannur Sankarankutty and secretary Karivellur Murali, who escorted him to the stage with due honour. True to its classical form, Panchari Melam unfolded in five rhythmic phases. It began in a slow tempo and gradually progressed, reaching a thunderous climax in the fifth phase. Each phase was helmed by master percussionists: Cheranallur Sankarankutty Marar, Tiruvalla Radhakrishna Marar, Porur Haridas, and Vellithiruthi Unni Nair led the second to fifth segments. The ensemble included chenda led by maestro Kizhakkoot Kuttan Marar, kurumkuzhal led by Panamanna Manoharan, kombu by Unni Nair, and ilathalam by Asiad Shashi, along with their respective teams. A remarkable 118 percussionists took the stage together in perfect unison, turning the performance into a living sculpture of sound and motion. With every synchronised beat, the crowd was drawn deeper into the spirit of the Melam. The powerful performance was not just heard—it was felt.
The Hindu
08-07-2025
- Entertainment
- The Hindu
National Percussion Festival: curtain-raiser begins with seminar on Kathakali's rhythmic heritage
The curtain raiser series of the National Percussion Festival, organised by the Kerala Sangeetha Nataka Akademi from July 11 to 13, kicked off on Tuesday with a seminar on the cultural and historical legacy of rhythm in Kathakali, held at the Nila campus of Kerala Kalamandalam. The seminar was inaugurated by Prof. B. Ananthakrishnan, Vice-Chancellor of Kerala Kalamandalam. In his address, he expressed delight at the renewed academic attention being given to the insights and traditions of past masters. He stressed the need for more rigorous and serious discourse in the field of percussion and performance traditions. The seminar, moderated by V. Kaladharan, featured presentations by Dr. N.P. Vijayakrishnan, Kalamandalam Unnikrishnan, Jayakrishnan Kottakkal, Kalamandalam Krishnadas, and Kalamandalam Hariharan. Festival curator Keli Ramachandran also addressed the function. On July 10, a panel discussion titled 'Rhythmic Journeys: From Ancient to Contemporary Theatre' will be held at the School of Drama and Fine Arts, Thrissur. The session will be led by Kalamandalam Unnikrishnan and team, with Dr. Abhilash Pillai, Director of the School of Drama and Fine Arts, delivering the keynote address. The Seminar Hall of the School of Letters, M.G. University, will host a lecture on rhythm and stagecraft in the films of legendary filmmaker G. Aravindan on Tuesday. The session will be delivered by noted film scholar Dr. C.S. Venkiteswaran, with an introductory address by Dr. Aju K. Narayanan. Festival curator Keli Ramachandran will also attend the event.
