A unique artistic journey that began with a personal vow reaches its grand finale today in Bengaluru. The Shashti Varna Chakra, a mission to revive and present a lost piece of classical dance heritage, will hold its culminating performance in the city.
A Vow to Revive Lost Heritage
The remarkable journey commenced in 2025. Upon turning 59, dancer Raju made a solemn pledge. He vowed to resurrect and present a lost Tanjore Quartet Varnam, a traditional composition in the Bharatanatyam repertoire, exactly as it was taught to him by his guru, Narmada. His ambitious plan was to share this rare piece through a series of 59 free performances, making it accessible to a wide audience.
The Culmination of a Cultural Mission
Today's event in Bengaluru marks the final act of this extensive and philanthropic cultural project. The Shashti Varna Chakra series has traversed a path of artistic dedication, bringing a forgotten gem back to the stage. Each of the 59 performances served as a step in fulfilling Raju's promise to his guru and to the dance form itself, ensuring the Varnam's survival for future generations.
Significance and Legacy
The revival of a Tanjore Quartet composition is a significant event in the world of Indian classical dance. The Quartet's works form the bedrock of modern Bharatanatyam, and the recovery of a lost piece is akin to discovering a missing chapter of history. Raju's project, culminating in Bengaluru, demonstrates a powerful model of artistic responsibility. It combines rigorous tradition with generous public outreach, ensuring that cultural preservation is not confined to archives but is lived and experienced by audiences.
The final performance is not just a show; it is the celebration of a completed cycle—a Shashti Varna Chakra brought full circle through unwavering commitment. It sets a precedent for how artists can actively engage in the conservation and propagation of intangible cultural heritage.
