Kala RASA Parampara Vaibhava: Celebration of a living legacy

On 7 July 2026, Kala RASA Parampara Vaibhava, presented by RASA ARPITA, concluded on a grand note at Rukmini Arangam, celebrating 55 years of artistic excellence and 40 years of Natyacharya excellence of guru Ambika Kameshwar. The landmark event honoured second-generation Bharatanatyam artists carrying forward their gurus' artistic legacies, while also highlighting the transformative power of inclusive arts through moving performances by visually impaired and intellectually challenged artists.

The evening reflected Ambika Kameshwar's philosophy that art is not merely to be performed, but to be lived, shared, and passed on across generations. A defining highlight of the celebration was the felicitation of distinguished second-generation Bharatanatyam artists including Sukanya Ravindhar (Chitra Visweswaran's Chidambaram Academy of Performing Arts, Chennai), C. P. Satyajit (Bharata Kalanjali), and Aruna Rengasamy (Ramana Natyalaya) in recognition of their commitment to preserving and carrying forward their gurus' artistic vision.

Among the many memorable moments of the evening were Anbu, a moving presentation by the visually challenged artists of Shri Ramana Maharishi Academy for the Blind, Bengaluru - an outreach centre of RASA and the first space where Ambika Kameshwar began her pioneering work with persons with special needs - and Margazhi Mahimai, a heartfelt presentation by the RASA Stars, artists with intellectual disabilities.

The celebration was graced by the Bharatanrityam exponent Padma Subrahmanyam, renowned musician Rajkumar Bharathi, senior artists, scholars, disciples and distinguished members of the arts fraternity, whose presence reflected the admiration Ambika Kameshwar commands across the cultural landscape.

Speaking at the celebration, Padma Subrahmanyam said, “Training any student is a challenge, but training visually challenged students requires extraordinary patience, dedication, and compassion Ambika Kameshwar has done a truly remarkable job. If these children were to perform alongside other students, one would hardly be able to distinguish them. Their performance in Anbu reflected the highest standards of perfection and rigorous training imparted by their guru. I was moved to tears watching them. That is the true essence of rasa, when a performance touches the heart so deeply. These children are truly blessed to have been nurtured under Ambika Kameshwar.”

Speaking on the occasion, Rajkumar Bharathi said "A smile is often the reflection of one's inner world, and Ambika Kameshwar's smile reflects boundless optimism. She has always chosen to say 'yes' to life, and in doing so, has inspired others to do the same. Her positive outlook has transformed not just artists but also their families, instilling confidence, happiness, and a renewed sense of purpose. Few people leave behind such a legacy of smiles, hope, and human connection."

The event was more than a celebration of milestones; It continues to inspire generations of artists and art lovers. As disciples gathered around their beloved guru in gratitude, they reaffirmed their collective commitment to preserving this rich artistic heritage and ensuring that its transformative power reaches future generations.