Sruti 20th Anniversary

Nrityalaya, the school of classical Indian Odissi dance, and the Gandhi Memorial Centre, Bethesda, presented a multimedia dance ballet on the philosophy and ideology of Mahatma Gandhi at the Robert E. Parilla Performing Arts Center of Montgomery College, Rockville, MD, on 28-29 June 2003. Mahatma Gandhi was a production, choreographed and directed by Odissi dancer and Director of Nrityalaya school of Odissi dance in Washington DC, Chitra Krishnamurti and was watched with absorbing interest by capacity audiences on both days.

Mahatma Gandhi said: "Love is the subtlest force in the world". He would repeatedly say that "an eye for an eye will make the whole world blind". Gandhiji advised us to become the change we wish to see. He taught us that it is important to start with oneself in seeking the transformation you want to see realised in the world and in your community. He would gently remind that we each have an obligation to do our part, no matter how difficult the task may seem.

The Sangeet Natak Akademi fellowships and awards for 2002 were presented at the 50th Investiture Ceremony on 6 July in Mumbai. The President of India, Dr. A.P.J. Abdul Kalam, presented the SNA awards to eminent personalities in the field of the performing arts. Mohammed Fazal, Governor of Maharashtra; Jagmohan, Union Minister for Tourism & Culture; Chhagan Bhujbal, Deputy Chief Minister of Maharashtra; Ashok Chavan, Minister for Cultural Affairs, Transport, Port & Protocol, Government of Maharashtra; Bhupen Hazarika, Chairman SNA; Shyamanand Jalan, Vice-Chairman SNA; and Jayant Kastuar, Secretary, SNA; were part of the distinguished gathering present on the occasion.

The SNA awards are presented for distinguished contribution to the performing arts and are broadly classified under the categories of Music (Carnatic, Hindustani, vocal, instrumental, creative); Dance (various classical idioms, creative); Theatre; Traditional/Folk/Tribal - Music, Dance Theatre and Puppetry. There are awards for "overall contribution to the performing arts" and for "performing arts in the media".