Nandhanam School of Dance conducted “Arangetram 2012” at American International School on Friday – 4th May 2012. The event was indeed an evening of joy and sense of accomplishment, watching the students perform brilliantly on stage in accordance with the live music. Once again, the crowd have proved that still we all have that embracing feeling towards our cultural heritage.

Mrs. Nayana Santhosh – founder director of Nandhanam welcomed the Ambassador, guests, artists and all the well wishers and participants. She also praised the Indian Embassy for their efforts and services rendered to the Indian Community.

The program was inaugurated by the traditional lighting of the lamp by HE Ambassador of India to Kuwait Shri Satish C. Mehta, Padhmashree Shobana, Prof. Kalamandalam Pushpalath and the founder directors – Mrs. Nayana Santhosh & Mrs. Bindhu Prasad. Shri Satish C. Mehta delivered the inaugural speech in which he congratulated Nandhanam for the efforts to preserve the rich culture and heritage in Kuwait. He further added that such activities would help us to transform the culture to the new generations as well as to get acquainted to other nationals. Padhmashree Shobana Chandrakumar released the the beautifully designed souvenir and handed the first copy to HE Shri Satish C Mehta. Smt. Kamalnadalam Pushpalata, then delivered a felicitation speech.

The live accompaniment team, comprising of Shri Arun Gopinath (Vocal), with Shri Kiran Gopinath (Mrudhumgam), Shri Suresh Namboothiri (Violin) all three from India and Shri Mahadevan (Flute) from Kuwait, welcomed the audience with a lovely “Keerthanam”. This set the tone of the evening, and gave the encourage for the 13 students, who started the Arangetram with the item Ganesh Sthuti.

The students performed a total of nine items, including Allaripu, Jathiswaram, Padam, Varnam, Padavarnam, Padam. After with 4 other students performed the Thillana and the Arangetram endiing with all 17 students completing the mangalam and gaining the blessing of the Live accompaniment team.

After the Arangetram, Padhmashree Shobana delivered her message to the audience, appreciating the dedication and efforts of the student and teachers including the melodious live accompaniment team. Both Padhmashree Shobana & Smt. Kalamandalam Pushpalatha had distributed the Momentos, Certificates and Gift vouchers to the performing students.

As a token of appreciation, Nandhanam's founding directors – Mrs. Nayana Santhosh & Mrs. Bindu Prasad and advisory members Shri. Santhosh Kumar and Mr. Prasad K.R handed over momento’s to the special guests – Padhmashree Shobana, Prof. Kalamandalam Pushpalath, artists – Shri Arun Gopinath, Shri Kiran Gopinath, Shri Suresh Namboothiri, Shri K. Mahadevan, teachers – Smt. Nruthabhushanam Shyamala, Ms. Kalamandalam Krishnendu, Ms. Jubi Jayaprakash and to the makeup artist – Shri Jayan. V. Naranayan.

As part of the closing ceremony, all the 150 students of Nandhanam School, covering various age groups, formed “Nandhanam family” in harmony with the lovely music in the background. After with the Teacher of the Nadhanam school, Nrithubushanam Shyamala, Kalamandalam Krishnendu and Kalamandalm Jubi were felicitated by Nadhanam Founder directors, for their contribution and tireless efforts to train the students for this day.

Program Convener, Mr. Santhosh Kumar, delivered the Vote of Thanks, in which he thanked all the Guest, sponsors, well wishers, students, parents, media, friends and volunteers for their wonderful support in making this memorable event in the history of Indian Classical art forms in Kuwait. The program convener also thanked the large audience of over 1300 for encouraging & staying till the end of the program, by which the audience showed their passion for our cultural heritage.