Kerala Sangeetha Nataka Akademi Info

India

"India is the seventh-largest country by geographical area, the second-most populous country, and the most populous democracy in the world. Bounded by the Indian Ocean on the south, the Arabian Sea on the west, and the Bay of Bengal on the east, India has a coastline of 7,517 kilometres (4,700 mi). It is bordered by Pakistan to the west; People's Republic of China, Nepal, and Bhutan to the north; and Bangladesh and Myanmar to the east. India is in the vicinity of Sri Lanka, the Maldives, and Indonesia in the Indian Ocean.

Home to the Indus Valley Civilisation and a region of historic trade routes and vast empires, the Indian subcontinent was identified with its commercial and cultural wealth for much of its long history. Four major religions, Hinduism, Buddhism, Jainism and Sikhism originated there, while Zoroastrianism, Judaism, Christianity and Islam arrived in the first millennium CE and shaped the region's diverse culture. Gradually annexed by the British East India Company from the early eighteenth century and colonised by the United Kingdom from the mid-nineteenth century, India became an independent nation in 1947 after a struggle for independence that was marked by widespread nonviolent resistance.

India is a republic consisting of 28 states and seven union territories with a parliamentary system of democracy. It has the world's twelfth largest economy at market exchange rates and the fourth largest in purchasing power. Economic reforms since 1991 have transformed it into one of the fastest growing economies." [Source]

Kerala

Kerala is a state located in southwestern India. It's known as "God’s own country, but in a wider sense, it is Art’s own country also. With an enviable tradition of numerous art forms, Kerala presents as distinctive charm to its varied cultural life. No one who visits this land can return home, without an impression on his mind and soul of this singular charm, deep rooted in the life and culture of the Keralites. This distinctive character of the Kerala society is nurtured to a considerable extent, through the popularization and enrichment of local art forms." [Source]

Thrissur

"Thrissur is a city situated in the central region of the state of Kerala, India. It is the headquarters of the Thrissur District. It is known as the 'Cultural Capital of Kerala'. Thrissur city is built around a hillock atop which is the Vadakkumnathan temple which has Shiva as the presiding deity. It is the cultural and spiritual centre of Kerala, offering an array of festivals, historical and natural sights as well as religious experiences.

It is famous for the Thrissur Pooram festival, the most colourful and spectacular temple festival of Kerala. The festival is held near the Vadakkumnathan temple, in April or May. It has a large number of well-known temples which include the Thiruvambady temple, Vadakkumnatha temple and Paramekkavu temple, and two churches of note, the Our Lady of Lourdes Metropolitan Cathedral and the Basilica of Our Lady of Dolours (Puthan Pally or New Church) is the biggest in South Asia. Also the venue of Pulikali during Onam celebrations in August or September. Thrissur is an important business centre in South India and also the best shopping center in Kerala for Silks and Gold ornaments. According to a survey, Thrissur city has been placed on 7th among the ten cities in India to reside." [Source]

Kerala Sangeetha Nataka Akademi

Kerala Sangeetha Nataka Akademi is headquartered at Thrissur. It promotes dance, music, drama and folk arts of Kerala.

"Thanks to the pioneering efforts made by the first elected Chief Minister of united Kerala, Sri.E.M.S. Namboothiripad, his ministry realized the need to establish a government agency for the encouragement, preservation and documentation of the rich legacy of the varied art forms of the state. Consequently, the Kerala Sangeetha Nataka Akademi was formally inaugurated by the first Prime Minister of Independent India Pandit Jawaharlal Nehru on 26th April 1958.

Publication of rare and valuable books on various arts like music, drama and dances of Kerala is an important programme of this institution. Besides, a bi-monthly journal entitled 'KELI', which functions as the mouth piece of this institution, is also published regularly. Helping artists by financial assistance, disbursing annual financial grants for Arts clubs and institutions, conducting amateur and professional drama competitions and arranging art festivals etc., are a few of the regular activities of the Akademi. It accomplishes this mission by constructively interacting with similar bodies like the Sangeetha Nataka Academy, the National Academy of Music, dance, and drama, New Delhi, which grants affiliation to organization, institutes awards and fellowship for outstanding artists and conducts seminars and workshops." [Source]