Fond Memories of Anna,
Akka and Bharathakalanjali
Subathra
Sudarshan
It still feels
like yesterday, but it has been more than twenty five years now when I
first met Anna and Akka. I was truly fresh off the boat from Sri Lanka
in the midst of the raging civil war. When my father dropped me off with
Anna and Akka, they not only accepted me as their student but also took
care of me like their own daughter.
Bharathakalanjali
was truly a 'Gurukulam' experience where I learnt my life lessons that
formed the basis of my value system apart from Natyam. Anna and Akka
opened up their hearts and minds and taught us everything they knew and
never held anything back .
My happiness
knew no bounds when Anna selected me to join him for the South India tour,
after being a part of the school for a mere month. This was the starting
of a life long journey that has formed the basis of my personal and professional
life.
When
I moved to UK, I was blessed to continue the journey with Anna and Akka
by performing in their productions. Working with Anna and Akka, I
learnt how to reach the western audiences through this sacred art. Though
Bharathakalanjali, I have met some wonderful people who have become my
lifelong friends.
Following the
footsteps of Anna and Akka, I have started a dance school 'Bharathakala
Natya Academy' in Atlanta, USA. I try to impart the same values like that
were instilled in me by Anna and Akka.
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