The 30th anniversary celebration of Jeyanthi Ghatraju's Natyanjali School of Dance was a remarkable confluence of Bharatanatyam and Western literature, where dance and poetry met to explore universal themes of compassion, divinity, empowerment, and nature. The evening was a tribute not only to the rich cultural heritage of Bharatanatyam but also to the school’s mission of performing for the underprivileged. This unique event showcased both the legacy of the dance form and its ability to engage in dialogue with Western artistic traditions.

Jeyanthi Ghatraju herself performed alongside her talented students, displaying the intricacies of Bharatanatyam’s nritta (pure dance) and abhinaya (expressive dance). The performances were intertwined with readings from Western literature by Chanchala Priyadarshini Srivastava, Neha Pillai, Suraja Menon Roychowdhury, and Sriram Krishnamurthy, who brought depth and resonance to the event by connecting the themes of the dances with carefully selected poems. These pairings highlighted the shared human experiences across Eastern and Western cultures, weaving a narrative that celebrated the unity in diversity.

On-stage orchestra included Jeyanthi Ghatraju (nattuvangam for all items except thillana)/Jayshree Bala Rajamani (for thillana), G.Srikanth on vocal, Haribabu Puttamma on the mridangam and Mohan Raj Jeyaraman on the flute. They added much vitality and vibrancy to the presentation. 

The first performance, Potri Potri, explored the theme of women’s empowerment, drawing from the works of Subramanya Bharati. The corresponding reading of Wisława Szymborska’s “Portrait of a Woman” by Chanchala Srivastava invited the audience to reflect on the multifaceted nature of womanhood. Szymborska’s depiction of a dynamic and evolving individual resonated with the dancers’ portrayal of strength, resilience, and individuality. The common theme between the Bharatanatyam piece and the poem was the multifaceted nature of women, with both emphasizing how women continually evolve while staying true to their essence. This exploration of empowerment through two different cultural lenses showed that the strength of womanhood is a universal celebration.

The theme of divine compassion was explored through the Bharatanatyam recital Prabhu Teri Mahima, accompanied by William Blake’s poem “The Divine Image”, read by Suraja Menon Roychowdhury. In Blake’s poetry, mercy, pity, peace, and love are both human and divine attributes, and this was mirrored in the dancers’ movements, which depicted these virtues as essential to both humanity and the divine. The shared message was clear: divinity is reflected in human emotions, and this virtue-centered connection between Eastern dance and Western literature emphasized the universality of compassion.

Another highlight was the performance of Enniya Mudidhal Vendum, which focused on the reverence for nature. Sriram Krishnamurthy’s reading of Gerard Manley Hopkins’ poem “God’s Grandeur” echoed the dance’s emphasis on the sacredness of nature. Hopkins’ vivid imagery of the natural world as a reflection of God’s grandeur was beautifully mirrored in the dancers’ precise movements, creating a visual and emotional celebration of nature as a manifestation of the divine. The performance and poem together suggested that no matter where one looks—be it in the East or West—the divine presence in nature is a theme that connects all humanity.

The theme of human empathy and compassion was presented in a deeply moving sequence where Neha Pillai read from John Greenleaf Whittier’s “Divine Compassion,” Henry David Thoreau’s “Sympathy,” and Emily Dickinson’s “If I Can Stop One Heart from Breaking.” These Western literary works reflected on the importance of compassion, and the accompanying Bharatanatyam performance embodied these emotions through expressive storytelling for the song, maithreem bhajatha. The dance brought out the tenderness and humanity inherent in the poems, demonstrating that empathy and the human capacity to care for others transcend cultural and linguistic barriers.

Neha Pillai, a Natyanjali student for over 20 years, traveled from North Carolina to support this event, showcasing the profound impact that the school and Jeyanthi Ghatraju have on their students. Her dedication to being part of the celebration highlighted the deep connections Jeyanthi fosters through her teaching, as well as the lasting value Natyanjali holds in the lives of its students.

Throughout the evening, Jeyanthi Ghatraju and her students showcased the elegance, discipline, and emotional depth that Bharatanatyam requires. Her decision to integrate Western poetry with the traditional dance form not only highlighted the flexibility of Bharatanatyam but also illustrated how art can be a bridge between cultures. The themes of empowerment, divinity, nature, and compassion woven throughout the evening’s program emphasized that while the modes of expression may differ—dance in the East and poetry in the West—the fundamental human experiences remain strikingly similar.

A special acknowledgment goes to the exceptional artists whose live musical accompaniment elevated the performances throughout the evening. Jeyanthi Ghatraju on Nattuvangam provided rhythmic precision that guided the dancers, while Jayashree Bala Rajamani brought her expertise on Nattuvangam during the Thillana, adding a dynamic energy to the performance. Srikanth Gopalakrishnan’s soulful vocals infused each piece with emotional depth, Haribabu Puttama’s Mridangam beats energized the stage, and Mohan Raj Jayaraman’s soothing flute melodies filled the room with a sense of serenity and grace.

Their musical brilliance was a vital part of the evening's success, and we extend our deepest gratitude for their incredible contributions to this memorable event.

In conclusion, the 30th anniversary of Natyanjali School of Dance was not just a celebration of three decades of dedication to Bharatanatyam, but also a testament to the ability of art to connect diverse traditions and people. By combining Bharatanatyam with Western literature, Jeyanthi Ghatraju created a unique event that allowed the audience to reflect on the shared values of humanity, while staying true to the school’s motto of practicing dance with a purpose—serving the underprivileged. This event was a powerful reminder that the arts, whether through the grace of Bharatanatyam or the beauty of poetry, have the potential to bring people together and foster compassion, empathy, and understanding across cultures.

Natyanjali and Jeyanthi Ghatraju were recognized by the Commonwealth of MA with a honorary citation, read and presented by State Rep. Mr James Arciero. 

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