The silver jubilee cultural festival of the Mylapore-based Thirupoothuruthy Sri Narayana Tirtha Swamigal Trust (regd) will be held on July 10 and 11 at Narada Gana Sabha, Alwarpet. It also marks the 336 jayanthi of Narayana Tirtha swami, saint and music composer.
N. Murali, President, The Music Academy, and senior managing editor, The Hindu inaugurates the fest at 9.15 am on July 10 and the guest of honour is R. Seshasayee, Executive Chairman, Ashok Leyland
There will be the screening of a docu-film on the history and events of the Trust.
A series of discussions on the saint, his philosophy and his music follows. One such is on ‘The comparative analysis of Sri Krishna Theme in ‘Srimad Bhagavatham’, ‘Geetha Govindam’ and ‘Sri Krishnaleela Tarangini’ and one on ‘Influence of Sri Narayana Tirtha on Bhajana Sampradaya and Nama Sankeerthana by Dr. Sudha Seshayyan.
At 3 p.m. dancer and guru Parvati Ravi Ghantasala focuses on Narayana Tirtha’s compositions – influence on classical dance in general and Bharathanatyam in particular’ followed by Lecture Demonstration – Impact of Sri Krishna Leela Tarangini on Kuchipudi Dance and Bhagavatha Mela by Dr. Chitra Visweswaran and her students.
The evening’s Tarangam concert is by P. Unnikrishnan followed by dance by Dr. Ambika Kameshwar & party – Scenes from ‘Sri Krishna Leela Tarangini’ At 8 p.m.. there is a drama on Pujyasri Narayana Tirtha’s life by Gurukulam The Original Boys.Co.
On July 11 evening, there is Namasankeerthanam by Udayalur Kalyanarama Bhagavathar & party and at 7 p.m. a concert by Dr. R. K. Srikantan.
All the events are open to the public – some will be held in the mini hall and some in the main hall.
The man behind the Trust and its activities is Thirupoonthuruthy V. Venkatesan who has devoted much of his time, energy and money for this mission.
The Trust is at 10/2, 2nd Main Road, R.A. Puram. Phone: 2493 6671
