Nandhanam Kuwait conducted “Arangetram 2016” at the American International School, Maidan Hawalli on 30th December 2016. The program was inaugurated by Shri A K Srivastava, Second Secretary (Information, Press and Culture) Indian Embassy, who appreciated Nandhanam, for their efforts to demonstrate the artistic culture and heritage in its original form. Dr. Mallika Vikram Sarabhai, one of India’s leading choreographer, dancer and social activist was the special guest for the event. Smt. Nayana Santhosh, Director of Nandhanam Kuwait, delivered the welcome speech followed by the national anthem.
Indian Embassy official Shri A. K. Srivastava released the Souvenir – Arangetram 2016 and the first copy given to Dr. Mallika Vikram Sarabhai.
The live accompaniment team, a regular and feature of Nandhanam Kuwait's Arangetrams, comprised of Shri. Bijeesh Krishna (Vocal), Shri Venugopal Kurumassery (Mridangam), Shri Suresh Nambuthiri (Violin).
This year 50 students had their Arabgetram in Bharata Natym, Mohiniyaattam, Kuchipudi dance forms and 22 other students performed Bharatanatym, Kuchipudi. The event kicked off with a lovely rendering of a Ganesha Sthuthi by the Live accompaniment team. There on the students performed the Arangetram Kacheri to the Thillana followed by padam, varnnam, keerthanam, kavadichinthu lasting for over 2.5hrs brilliantly supported by the Live Accompaniment team. The faculties of Nandhanam, Kalamandalam Bijusha, Kalamandalam Sangeetha and Kalamandalam Alenblesseena accompanied on the Nattuvangam.
Dr. Mallika Vikram Sarabhai expressed her concerns on the tendency of compromising the values of Indian Culture in all areas of life. The authenticity and appreciation of Indian Culture and values help India and Indians to stand tall strong and unique in comparisons to rest of the world.
Dr. Mallika handed over the mementoes & certificates to the Arangetram participants. She also handed over mementos to the teachers, the musicians as a gesture of appreciation from Nandhanam Kuwait for their efforts in presenting Arangetram 2016 in its traditional manner.
Nandhanam Kuwait directors – Mrs. Nayana Santhosh and Mrs. Bindhu Prasad handed over a memento to Dr. Mallika Sarabhai.
Nandhanam Kuwait also appreciated the makeup artists Shri Jayan V Narayanan, Shri Shaji Sebastian and Shri Anil Sopanam in the even
At the very end, Nandhanam Kuwait students from the Mangaf, Salmiya, Abbassiya, Reggai and Abu Khalifa batches expressed their appreciation and love to the Aragentram students with a very well-choreographed dance to bring the evening to a beautiful closure.
Nandhanam Kuwait thanked their sponsors, the teachers, the parents and the well-wishers for their immense support and for showing their passion towards our culture and heritage.