Naatya Manjari: A Golden Jubilee Celebration of Art, Tradition, and Heart

On 22 February 2026, the Bryan Brown Theatre in Bankstown was transformed into a vibrant sanctuary of rhythm and devotion. Naatya Manjari, a live orchestra showcase, was far more than a standard dance recital. It was a "Golden Celebration" of culture and mentorship, marking a monumental 50-year milestone for the Sydney arts community. Presented by the students of Natyakshetra Dance School and Nrityasagara School of Dance, the event served as a heartfelt tribute to decades of dedication to classical dance preservation.

A Legacy of Excellence: The Kalapooshanam Distinction

The evening was anchored by the historic Golden Jubilee of Natyakshetra, celebrating a journey that began in 1975. Central to this legacy is the school's founder, Smt. Anusha Tharmarajah, an alumnus of the world-renowned Kalakshetra school in Chennai. Recognising her extensive contributions to the arts, the Sri Lankan government previously honoured her with the prestigious title of 'Kalapooshanam'.

What is a Kalapooshanam?

Derived from the words Kala (Art) and Pooshanam (Jewel or Ornament), the title literally means the "Jewel of the Arts." It is a state honour reserved for senior artists who have shown exceptional mastery and a lifelong commitment to preserving traditional cultural heritage.

This level of expertise was visible throughout the programme, particularly in the collaboration with Amesha Darshana, founder of Nrityasagara. Having trained under Smt. Anusha for over 30 years and performing her Arangetrum in 2005, Amesha continues to uphold the strict Kalakshetra lineage while inspiring the next generation of dancers in Sydney.

The Power of a Live Orchestra

A hallmark of "Naatya Manjari" was the inclusion of a full live orchestra, which provided a rare and immersive experience for the sold-out audience. The production featured some of Australia’s most accomplished Carnatic musicians:

Vocalist: Dr Namrata Pulapaka, a graded artist of All India Radio and a key vocalist for many Sydney Arangetrums.

Mridangam: Janakan Suthanthiraraj, a veteran artist who has accompanied over 100 Arangetrums across Australia.

Violin: Kranthi Kiran Mudigonda, a leading Carnatic violinist and founder of the Geervani Academy of Performing Arts in Sydney.

Flute: Jathushan Jeyarasa, an experienced accompanist who has performed for numerous prestigious dance productions.

Bharatanatyam with a Higher Purpose

While the event celebrated artistic mastery, its core mission was rooted in community upliftment. The programme was held in support of the Sivan Arul Foundation, a charity dedicated to meeting the educational and healthcare needs of children.

The response from the Sydney community was spectacular, resulting in a completely sold-out show. Through the incredible generosity of our attendees and supporters, the proceeds from the night will go directly towards creating brighter futures through learning and opportunity. It was a powerful reminder that when art and compassion meet, they build genuine hope.

Honouring the Past, Inspiring the Future

"Naatya Manjari" showcased the beauty, discipline, and storytelling power of the Indian classical dance form, bharatanatyam. It brought together generations of artists—from veteran gurus to a number of students—all united by a shared passion for their cultural identity.

This milestone is not just a celebration of the past 50 years, but a promise to continue inspiring future generations through the timeless rhythm of tradition.