This Summer
Two distinguished speakers for the day: Smt. Sumitra Nitin on “Blurring Lines of Bani” and renowned Smt. Veena Murthy Vijay on “Career Opportunities in Performing Arts,” moderated by Dr. Priyashri Rao.
Bharatanatyam Dancer & Carnatic Vocalist
Renowned Kuchipudi danseuse and choreographer
Kalakshetra-trained dancer, Carnatic vocalist, and scholar
Dr. Neena Prasad is one of India’s foremost exponents of Mohiniyattam, performing at prestigious festivals in India and abroad. A rare blend of scholar and performer, she holds a doctorate and post-doctoral fellowship in dance and is widely respected as an academician and researcher.
She has undergone rigorous training in Mohiniyattam, Bharatanatyam, Kuchipudi, and Kathakali under renowned gurus including Kalamandalam Suganthi, Kalamandalam Kshemavathy, Guru Adyar K. Lakshman, Guru Vempati Chinna Satyam, and Vembayam Appukkuttan Pillai. Her performances are critically acclaimed for their depth and aesthetic excellence.
Founder of the Sougandhika Centre for Mohiniyattam (established over two decades ago), she has developed a strong pedagogical system known for impeccable body kinetics and expressive abhinaya. Her landmark productions include Sitayanam, Tatri – The Woman, and Sakhyam – The Bond of Soulmates.
A Top Grade Doordarshan and ICCR empanelled artist, she is also a research guide, academic advisor, and mentor. She continues her teaching and research through Sougandhika (Chennai) and Bharatanjali (Trivandrum).
Her numerous honours include the President’s Sangeet Natak Akademi Award, Nritya Choodamani, Kerala Kalamandalam Award, Pranati Women Puraskar (Mumbai), and the prestigious Nritya Kalanidhi (2024) from the Madras Music Academy – the first dancer from Kerala to receive this distinction.
P. Praveen Kumar is a distinguished Bharatanatyam artiste from a family of artists. Trained under Smt. Narmada and Prof. C.V. Chandrasekhar, he has dedicated himself to the aesthetic depth and tradition of this classical dance form.
An accomplished nattuvanar and choreographer, he has created several acclaimed productions such as Madhvacharya, Shvasa Vishvasa, Tyagaraja Hruth Sadana, Rtu Vismruthi, Vani, Sakha, Anangha Vilasa, and Pandharpur. His works explore themes including climate change, textiles, interpersonal relationships, and lesser-known dimensions of mythology.
Known for his flawless footwork, nuanced abhinaya, and layered understanding of nritta,
Praveen Kumar has consistently earned critical
acclaim. He has performed extensively in India
and abroad and is the founder of the Chithkala
School of Dance, Bengaluru. An empanelled
artist of the ICCR and an ‘A’ grade Doordarshan
artist, he believes dance is a powerful medium of
creative and therapeutic expression.
An internationally acclaimed exponent and founder of Noopur Performing Arts Centre, Bengaluru, presented alongside his talented disciples.
A captivating lecture demonstration unveiling the glorious heritage and magical world of Kathakali, led by V Kaladharan.
A psychologist turned performer and choreographer, she is a dedicated Bharatanatyam artist and founder of Natesha Nrithyalaya, blending classical dance with therapeutic practice. A curator of the Rasanubhava Dance Festival, she continues her artistic journey under the guidance of Dr. Neena Prasad.
Akshiti Roychowdhury is an accomplished Odissi dancer, teacher, and choreographer, and an alumna of Nrityagram, trained under renowned gurus. Known for her dynamic stage presence and powerful artistry, she has performed across prestigious platforms in India and internationally, while continuously evolving her practice through disciplines like Kalaripayattu.
Devesh Nair is an emerging Kuchipudi dancer trained in Bharatanatyam, Kerala Nadanam, and Kuchipudi under Dr. Vasant Kiran. A Doordarshan-graded artist, he has performed at prestigious festivals and is known for his dynamic stage presence and dedication to the art form.