AIM - Art Initiatvie Movement

SHILADHISH Nrityam 2007 - Perfroming Arts Festvial details PRAKRITI BHASKAR Aesthetics & mathematcs of Rhythm in Bharatnatyam GURU T.S.KADHIRVELLU PILLAI SENIOR FELLOWSHIP - GOVT.OF INDIA CRITICS VIEW NATTUVANGAM WORKSHOP CRITICS VIEW 1 ARTISTS OF NRITYAM FESTIVAL Guest Book Contact My Photos Prakriti's Blog My Files AIM - Art Initiatvie Movement What's New NRITYAM'08 ARANGETRAM NRITYAM 2010 - ANANDA - The Dance of Joy... dance jathre - suddha nritta



AIM echoes the very essence & spirit of the artistic traditions & their vital role in shaping the future of a generation. While formal education is information oriented, it leaves little scope for the cultivation & expression of the human spirit. Adding to this is a life-style that is stressed for time, thanks to demanding careers. As more & more remain disheartened & discontented with life in a society that is 'advanced, modern, & progressive' 'the man-machine' is no longer a fallacy.

Culture has assumed a renewed significance in today's scenario for it is essentially a cultivation of the human self- both inner & outer. The arts have a universal appeal & relevance across all social & economic classes, age groups & geographical boundaries. Culture is a leveler & human beings have an urge to create, to celebrate & to nourish their minds and souls just as they need food & clothing to satisfy their physical needs. In India, the arts are inextricably intertwined with all aspects of our life. The classical arts developed a high level of sophistication striving to hone an individual’s sensibilities. They continue to be inspirational & instrumental in spreading social values & ethics & reinforce our faith in the values of life.

However, the winds of change are blowing around us. The advent of information technology, communication media & globalization seems to have threatened & disturbed the traditional systems & practices. Besides these commercial pressures, a lack of connoisseurs, dwindling audiences, drying up resources and a lack of facilities threaten the arts & its relationship with the community. A civil society needs to treasure its culture and heritage for posterity but it also needs to build bridges and move forward by using imaginative ways to present the arts to make them more appealing & relevant to today's world. This seems feasible when there is active participation of people at various levels- individuals, artistes, state authorities, business groups and other partners. An inclusive approach is essential to bring them to a common platform with a shared agenda to support the arts for the welfare of society.

  • The Art

The living tradition of music & dance are handed down to us through generations of artistes who dedicate their entire lives in preserving & passing on a discipline.  Masters & gurus are indeed the torchbearers of the artistic traditions that continue to survive through the Guru- Shishya  Parampara. However, unlike most careers, an artiste's life offers no financial security and many live their twilight years in poverty & deprivation. Acknowledging their vital contribution and respecting their right to a life of dignity is the least we can do as inheritors of a cultural heritage that has brought  much pride & respect to our country.

  • The Artiste

Children & young people are the most important groups in any society, and it is important to include them in our plans at an early stage. Young minds like young plants need ideal conditions to grow. Artistic traditions are safe as long as they are handed down to a generation that is sensitive & responsible. By initiating children into an artistic discipline early in life we gift them the joy of discovering their talents & exploring the realms of creative possibilities. Creative work is an experience that is not easy to forget for it engages the whole being and thus begins a journey of connecting with one-self. An artistic discipline provides nourishment to the soul & the child learns to use his body to express not just his mind but more importantly his heart.

  • The Audience

Creating an appreciative audience interested in the classical arts is perhaps the most challenging & daunting task for the present day artistes. A much needed exposure to the rich world of the classical arts opens up a range of choices for the youth while sensitizing them to the artistic traditions & developing a long term ‘art-audience’ relationship. An effective interaction & dialogue with the corporate sector  emphasizing their role as ‘patrons of art’ is an important aspect of the movement.