Shri. M. Venkaiah Naidu, Hon’ble Upa Rashtrapatiji,
Dr. Mahesh Sharma, Hon’ble Union Minister of State (in-charge) for Culture,
Shri Kadakampally Surendran, Hon’ble Minister for Tourism,
Dr. Chennas Dinesan Namboothiripad, Managing Trustee,
Dr. E. Sreedharan, Member Trustee, Sree Guruvayurappan Dharma Kala Samuchayam,
Shri Poomulli Narayanan Namboothiri, Trust President,
Friends in the Media,
Sahodaree Sahodaranmaare,
Ellaavarkkum Ente Namaskaaram,
I am indeed privileged to preside over this meeting held in connection with the performance of the dance drama Ashtapadi Aattam at Guruvayoor.
We are extremely fortunate to have the Hon’ble Vice President of India, Shri. M. Venkaiah Naiduji to inaugurate and watch this performance, which marks the revival of the classical dance form of Ashtapadi Attam. On behalf of the people of the State, I extend to our Hon’ble Upa Rashtrapatiji a warm and cordial welcome to Kerala and to Guruvayoor.
Let me at the outset, compliment the members of the Sree Guruvayurappan Dharma Kala Samuchayam for their efforts to bring back the glory of this dance form.
The idea which came from Dr. Chennas Dinesan Namboodiripad, received the full support and leadership of Dr. Sreedharan, India's Metro-Man, who has proved that with the right kind of dedication, even art forms could be put back on the rails and made to move forward to the future.
As we all know, many of our classical and traditional art forms have suffered neglect due to several reasons. Many of them used to be staged for the elite classes alone and were confined to the temple premises. The large majority of common citizens had neither access to such art forms nor the knowledge to appreciate them, with the result that these dances gained only a limited reach. The rising appeal of popular art forms like drama, cinema etc., was also instrumental in pushing many traditional art forms into oblivion. However, with more and more people gaining insight into the significance of our traditional art, there were many efforts to revive such art forms and today, dances like Kathakaliand Koodiyaattamhave regained global popularity. Our Tourism initiatives have also helped to sustain many art forms and through them, hundreds of artists.
Like many other dances, Ashtapadi Aattam too, had remained partially forgotten, in spite of it being the inspiration behind dances like Krishnanaattam and Kathakali. This adaptation of Jayadeva's romantic Sanskrit poem, Geetha Govindam, was widely accepted in the 12th century, but today, its verses are used only in the Sopana Sangeetam in Krishna temples. It is gratifying to note that the famous Lord Krishna Temple at Guruvayoor, which has been promoting the Krishnanaattam dance form has also become the driving force behind the revival of the AshtapadiAattam.
It is well known that Art enriches our minds and enlarges our capability to appreciate beauty. Artistic performances can also transcend barriers of language to foster a sense of unity and understanding among people. Since Education is key to the understanding of higher forms of art and music, I wish our institutions including universities included Ashtapadi Aattam among the art forms which deserve to be performed in youth festivals and researched upon. That would be one way of atoning for the neglect we had meted out to this dance form.
I greet the artistes who are performing here today and wish them success.
With these words, I request our Hon’ble Upa Rashtrapatiji to inaugurate the Dance Performance and to address the gathering.
Ellavarkkum Ente Aashamsakal
Nanni
Jai Hind
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