Kalasagara - A Brief History

In October 1972, Kalasagara, Academy of Fine arts was founded by Sri. Ramaswamy and Smt. Radhamani, the parents of Usha Raghavan and her sister Malathy Thothadri. With a handful of students for Veena and Bharatanatyam, the institution was started in an apartment in Annanagar, Madras. 

Imparting training to students with total dedication and strict adherence to tradition in fine arts have always been the primary aims of Kalasagara.
Malathy Thothadri, the elder of the sisters, has a B.A & B.T in music from the Madras University. In addition, she has been trained in Bharatanatyam, Carnatic vocal music and the veena from the eminent gurus, Smt. Lalitha, Sri Palaiyur Venkataramaiyyar and Sri. Pichumani Iyer.
As years passed, the number of students increased and Kalasagara moved to its present location in Annanagar. With a small auditorium built for the purpose of classes and performances, Kalasagara blossomed into a major institution. As Director of Kalasagara, Malathy expanded the institution to cater to the needs and wishes of the growing number of students from all walks of life-from not only Madras but also abroad. Flute, Carnatic vocal singing, Violin and Mridangam classes were also introduced over the years.

 

In 1992, Smt. Radhamani & Sri Ramaswamy, parents of Usha and Malathy founded Kalasagara Music Circle with the main aim of propagation of music in Annanagar and promotion of talented young artists who deserve recognition. With no external financial support or sponsorship, the founders spent their time and money to organise performances for the sheer joy of sharing good music with everyone. Every month, a concert was organised in the institution. Leading vidwans like Sri. Seshagopalan, Sri. Pichumani Iyer, Sri Trichur Ramachandran, Smt.E. Gayathri, Sri. T.V Sankaranarayanan were invited to give concerts at Kalasagara. Budding artists were also given a platform to showcase their talent through Kalasagara Music Circle.
Having completed more than three decades, Kalasagara has been celebrating its anniversaries with colourful performances by the students. Dance dramas like Rama Bhakti on Saint Tyagaraja, Valli Thirumanam, Basmasura Vadham, Andal, Sri Kanchi Kamakshi, Meenakshi Kalyanam and thematic presentations on Bharatiyar songs, Krishnanjali, Navavidha Bhakthi and Arunagiri Kanda Azhagar have been choreographed by Kalasagara and staged all over Tamil Nadu and in dance festivals.


 

Generations have changed and children of past students go to Kalasagara to learn dance and music. Over the years, Malathy Thothadri and Usha Raghavan have enriched their forte and widened their vistas with their global experiences. 

Generations have changed and children of past students go to Kalasagara to learn dance and music. Over the years, Malathy Thothadri and Usha Raghavan have enriched their forte and widened their vistas with their global experiences. 

 

Copyright (C) Usha Raghavan (2015)