Bharatanaatyam is an ancient Indian classical dance form that combines dance movements to classical beats along with facial expressions to describe the song which is usually in South Indian languages. Bhoomika Kumar has been a student of Bharatanaatyam since the age of 6, under the guidance of her guru Smt. Jeyanthi Ghatraju.  She loves it so much that this dance form has become her hobby and passion. The twelve year old Bhoomika Kumar is a 7th grader at the Coppell Middle School West in Coppell, TX and is the older daugther of Padmaja and Ajay Kumar.

Recently, Bhoomika had the idea of putting this art form to make a difference and raise funds for Vision Aid, one of her favorite charities that helps the visually impaired.  Her guru embraced the idea and gave Bhoomika her full support in helping to realize her student's first charity fundraiser, which took place at the Coppell Community and Senior Center in Old town Coppell on Sunday, the 27th of October 2013.  The goal of Vision Aid is to help the underprivileged and visually challenged in India live with independence and dignity. You can visit  www.visionaid.org to find out more about their mission, vision, programs, their partners location, and for information on how to support their cause.

The program was a huge success and attended by quite a number of near and dear ones, with   Bhoomika's aunt Poornima, performing the duties of MC and uncle Subramanya and Jeyanthi's husband Sri. Lakshmikanth Ghatraju helping with the audio.  The evening started with an Invocation - Natana Poojai, composed by Yogi Sudhananda Bharathi, in raagam Hamsadhwani, set to Rupaka taalam, performed gracefully by Bhoomika.  This first item was dedicated to the Lord Supreme, the Gurus, Musicians, and the audience, seeking their blessing for a successful dance recital.  This was followed by Subrahmanya Kavuthuvam in raagam Shanmukhapriya and set to Aadi taalam.  Kavuthuvam means poetry and is a student's first foray into abhinaya or expressions.  Bhoomika’s dance appeared so effortless which goes to show her sincerity in practice and dedication towards learning the dance form.

Smt. Jeyanthi Ghatraju performed the next dance item wonderfully, doing complete justice to the composition and it's music, which was a VarNam - Devaki Nandana, composed by Sri Madhvachaarya in raagam Thilang set to Aadi taalam, describing the 10 incarnations of Lord Vishnu.  This was followed by a very well choreographed and beautifully performed dance number Shiva Padham - ChandrachuDa Shiva Shankara composed by Shri Purandaradaasa, the father of Carnatic Classical Music, in raagamaalika set to Aadi taalam and a rare composition on Lord Shiva by the Vaishnavaite Saint.

The Hindi bhajan, Tumak Chalathu Raamachandra, a lilting composition by Saint TuLsidas in raagam Dwijavanthi and Aadi taalam, describing the charming walk and playful deeds of Lord Rama as a baby was rendered elegantly and beautifully by Smt. Jeyanthi.  Thillana in ragam Paras and Talam Adhi by Bhoomika, delighted us with pure joy. next As all good things must unfortunately come to an end, the program concluded with a Mangalam wishing everyone's welfare. Bhoomi mangalam, adoring the various elements of the Universe, from Pandit Ravishankar's album, Chants of India appropriately brought the program to an auspicious conclusion.  An excellent surprise feast of delicious authentic Karnataka food also awaited the audience, thanks to Padmaja.


Our sincere and heartfelt thanks to Smt. Jeyanthi for her encouragement to Bhoomika, and to Sri. Lakshmikanth, who along with Jeyanthi, took the initiative and time to fly to Dallas from the Boston area to help and support this program.  Much thanks to Bhoomika, who is blessed with the knowledge of this difficult classical dance form at such an young age and the desire to give back and help those in need.  Last, but not the least, thanks to her parents Padmaja and Ajay Kumar who supported her in making this dream come true.  Through this effort, Bhoomika and Jeyanthi were able to raise over $3000 including a generous donation of $400 towards sponsoring the hall from Kumon of Coppell for Vision Aid.  Here's to wishing them all the very best in future such endeavors.

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