On August 8, 2021, the Family and Friends of Nrityanjali School of Dance,  arranged a felicitation ceremony at the Chinmaya Maruti Auditorium in Andover for  Smt. Jothi Raghavan, founder of Nrityanjali.  After spending nearly 45 years teaching Bharatanatyam to so many students in the New England area, Jothi is moving to Corvalis Washington. 

The ceremony opened with videos from dancers around the world applauding Jothi. “We remember you as a youngster in Chennai. You have done so much for the art form. In addition to teaching the art you have arranged for so many dancers from India to perform in the US. I remember fondly our time with you when you not only arranged our program but hosted us at your home. Your hospitality was wonderful” said Shanta and Dhananjanayan in their video message. Many others including the Chandrasekhars, local dancers and singers Mesma Belasare, Aparna Balaji, Meena Subramanium, Susan Adishesh, Sunanda Narayanan and Jayashree Bala Rajamani shared video messages. 

“You are a very giving person. You are so kind and you are always smiling no matter what the situation” was a common theme through the whole event. Jothi had started her dance school 45 years ago and it was one of the first Bharatanatyam Schools in New England. In addition to teaching, she has written and choreographed several dance dramas including Valli Kalyanam, Kanya and others. “I remember when I moved to Boston in 1977 Jothi asked me to partner with her to give music to a production. She wrote the lyrics and I gave the music. The piece was a hit” said Vainika Durga Krishnan,  who has had a long history of providing musical support to Nrityanjali. 

When Jothi’s husband moved to Maryland, for over 20 years she commuted to Boston, stayed at a motel for 2 weeks and taught class. That was a true testament to her commitment to the art. “It has been a great honor to work with Jothi since the time I moved here. She is so welcoming and generous. She is also very strong and I am always amazed by how she handles all ups and downs with grace and a smile” said violinist and vocalist Tara Anand. 

Several citations from politicians including Governor Baker was presented to Jothi. Other speakers included K.G. Narayana who was part of the founding team of the team along side Jothi and her husband. K.G Narayana spoke about how he moved he was several times to see her unquestioned faith and Bhakti towards Sriman Narayana. 

A most special comment came from Jothi’s husband Raghavan who said “For how good a person you are you will surely attain Moksha. Next time I am born I will need to fend for myself for I am not anywhere close to your greatness” said Raghavan. 

The event was organized by Manasa Jayanthi, Jothi’s student who has taken over the school. She gave a touching tribute to her Guru. Manasa was aided by several volunteers including Gita Iyer who Mceed the event. 

"I do not cry easily but today I am tearing up. I am so touched by this" said Jothi as she thanked all the attendees and bid farewell 

I known Jothi for a very long time and infact have taken a few dance classes with her. However recently I  had the opportunity to experience Jothi’s enormous compassion that so many alluded to. When our family was deeply affected by Covid she unfailing provided delicious meals so many times. When it was my birthday she prepared a feast and sent it. She is indeed a tremendous dancer whose kindness and compassion has touched thousands. A humble Pranam to this great teacher.