~ Set to take place on July 5th, the event will honour second-generation Bharatanatyam artists carrying forward rich artistic legacies
~ Celebrating inclusivity through inspiring performances by intellectually challenged and visually challenged artistes
Chennai, 01st July 2026: Marking a landmark milestone in Indian classical arts, RASA ARPITA (Academy for the Research and Performance of Indian Theatre Arts) will present Kala RASA Parampara Vaibhava on July 5, 2026, from 4 PM onwards at Rukmini Arangam, Kalakshetra Foundation, Chennai, celebrating 55 years of artistic excellence and 40 years of Natyacharya excellence of Guru Dr. Ambika Kameshwar. The event will feature a segment featuring artistes with intellectual challenges and visual challenges as a celebration of inclusivity, reaffirming RASA’s belief that art is universal and accessible to all.
Kala RASA Parampara Vaibhava celebrates the timeless spirit of guru-shishya parampara, highlighting how artistic legacies continue to flourish across generations. The event will feature the Natya RASA Parampara Bhushana Awards, honouring distinguished second-generation Bharatanatyam artistes who have made remarkable contributions while carrying forward rich artistic legacies. The awards will be presented by three celebrated Chief Guests who are themselves torch bearers of rich legacies – Dr. Sarada Natarajan of Ramana Maharshi Centre for Learning Bangalore, Sri. Harishankar of Narada Gana Sabha and Sri. Sekar, Kartik Fine Arts
The honours will be presented to three distinguished second-generation Bharatanatyam artistes, who have made significant contributions to the fraternity while preserving artistic heritage with dedication and excellence:
● Smt. Sukanya Ravindhar, carrying forward the legacy of Padmashri and SNA Awardee Smt. Chitra Visweswaran’s Chidambaram Academy of Performing Arts, Chennai
● Sri C. P. Satyajit, carrying forward the legacy of Padmabhushan awardees The Dhananjayans’ Bharata Kalanjali, Chennai
● Smt. Aruna Rengasamy, carrying forward the legacy of Dr. Kalarani Rengasamy’s Ramana Natyalaya, Madurai and Melbourne
The event will be graced by Padma Vibhushan Dr. Padma Subrahmanyam as Principal Chief Guest and Sri Rajkumar Bharathi as Guest of Honour. The event will also showcase specially curated Bharatanatyam performances choreographed to original compositions by Dr. Ambika Kameshwar. These works, nurtured over decades, will be presented by disciples, students and academies carrying forward her artistic vision. The repertoire includes: Arulin Atral, Mayura Alaripu, Hanuman Shabdam, Ramayanam Varnam, Margazhi Endral Enna, Thaye Yashodai, Anbu and Thillana.
Commenting on the milestone, Dr. Vaishnavi Poorna, Deputy Director, RASA & Daughter and Disciple of Dr Ambika Kameshwar says, “This celebration is our offering of gratitude to a legend who taught us that Natya belongs to everyone and has the power to nurture the fullest potential within each person. The greatest tribute we can offer to our Guru is to carry this vision forward and pass it on to future generations, so that many more may experience the transformative power of the arts. I am deeply grateful and blessed to have my Guru and mother as one person, guiding me both in life and in art.”
Speaking about the celebration, Dr. Ambika Kameshwar, Founder & Director, RASA, says, “The finest tribute to a Guru lies not in the accolades she receives, but in the commitment of her disciples to preserve and carry her legacy forward. A Guru’s true legacy lies in the lives she shapes and the generations she inspires. Kala RASA Parampara Vaibhava is deeply meaningful to me as it celebrates this spirit of continuity, gratitude, and Parampara. Through artistic experience, we are reminded of the unified love and grace that the Divine pours upon us, something so profound that words can scarcely capture. It also reaffirms a belief I have always held close that art belongs to everyone, and its true power lies in transforming lives, building communities, and connecting us to something far greater than ourselves.”
Kala RASA Parampara Vaibhava promises to be a memorable confluence of tradition, artistic excellence, inclusivity and gratitude, celebrating a legacy that continues to inspire generations.
Event Details:
Date: July 5, 2026
Time: 4 PM onwards
Venue: Rukmini Arangam, Kalakshetra Foundation, Chennai
About RASA:
RASA – Ramana Sunritya Aalaya is a Chennai-based non-profit organization dedicated to harnessing the transformative power of the arts for education, and holistic development. Founded by Sirappu Kalaimamani Dr. Ambika Kameshwar . The NGO was registered in 1989, though her work started at 1985, RASA has been a pioneer in using theatre arts and creative pedagogy to empower individuals across age groups and abilities. Through its trademarked methodology, RASA CHETAS™ (Consciousness through Holistic Education via Theatre Arts Sadhana) formerly known as Theatre Arts for Holistic Development, the organization promotes self-awareness, life skills, communication, creativity, and social inclusion. RASA reaches over 375 individuals with differing abilities annually, conducts regular workshops, provides performance opportunities for one and all, and continues to champion the belief that the arts can unite communities, enrich lives, and help every individual discover their potential and purpose.