Navonmesha: The Quest for Excellence

Day One

The 43^rd Natya Kala Conference (NKC) opened at Sri Krishna Gana Sabha (SKGS) before an eager audience. Under the stewardship of convenors Nirupama and Rajendra, supported by The Central Sanskrit University and Sundari Silks, this edition’s theme, Navonmesha: The Quest for Excellence, sought to deconstruct the concept of talent and its role in artistic mastery. The conference logo, a sturdy Peepal tree, served as a fitting metaphor for the next three days: deeply rooted in tradition, yet ever-expanding. Aalaap, under the leadership of Akhila Krishnamurthy, once again delivered a well-planned and efficiently organised event.

The morning commenced with a rendition of Maithrim bhajata by Sashwathy Prabhu (CEO, SKGS), setting a contemplative tone. In her welcome address, she acknowledged the weight of the legacy she carries, particularly that of her grandfather, the late R. Yagnaraman. A legendary lawyer and visionary, Yagnaraman’s passion for the arts, 43 years ago, provided the very soil in which the NKC first took root.