For dancers Shijith Nambiar and Parvathy Menon, a dream nurtured since their graduation from the prestigious Kalakshetra has blossomed into a unique community initiative. Their vision was to establish a dance school away from the urban bustle, close to nature. What they didn't anticipate was creating a vibrant centre that offers free instruction in classical and folk arts to members of the local community alongside regular students.
An Organic Beginning in Panaiyur
The couple identified a serene 1.5-acre plot nestled among trees and mangroves in Panaiyur village, near Chennai's East Coast Road. This location was chosen for workshops, camps, and dance classes. During the construction of their centre, named Sakhi, they began interacting with local residents from diverse backgrounds. "It all came through organically," Parvathy recalls. This interaction planted the seed for a more inclusive mission.
Despite funding being a persistent challenge, Shijith and Parvathy decided to commence classes in 2023 using their own resources. The initial hurdle was convincing children from local corporation schools to attend regularly and adhere to the discipline of dance. However, their persistence paid off as the children gradually developed a keen interest in the art form.
Building a Self-Sustaining Artistic Community
The model at Sakhi is designed for sustainability. While the founders visit once a week, their senior students take on teaching responsibilities. "If we miss it, the children call up and ask for us," Shijith shares. He notes that some of the local children have shown great promise and even practice independently when instructors are not available.
The centre's impact extends beyond children. Sukanya, a 33-year-old student, initially hesitated to learn bharatanatyam, fearing her age was a barrier. Shijith and Parvathy encouraged her, reinforcing that art has no age limit. "There are many like me here, inspired by them," Sukanya says. The curriculum also includes free monthly Carnatic music lessons, broadening the artistic exposure for all.
For parents like Rajalakshmi, Sakhi fills a critical gap. "In this village, there are no such opportunities," she states, expressing happiness that her young daughter, Sahana, can learn dance at the centre.
A Vision for Broader Exposure and Growth
Shijith outlines their core objective: to broaden exposure to diverse classical and folk art forms through workshops, demonstrations, and interactive sessions. The aim is to connect students with artists practising a wide spectrum of traditional styles.
To formalise and expand their work, the couple has established the Chidagni Foundation trust. As a next step, they plan to associate with local arts associations to raise awareness and secure much-needed funding, ensuring the free classes can continue and reach more eager learners in the community.
The story of Sakhi is a testament to how artistic passion, when coupled with community focus, can create accessible cultural sanctuaries where talent is nurtured without financial barriers.
