The Salangai Pooja Ceremony, organized by the Kalaikoodam Academy of Performance Arts Trust, was held with great enthusiasm at the Chamber of Commerce Hudson Hall, Madurai.
The chief guest, Dr. M. Abdul Kadir, Former Principal of MSS Wakf Board College, Madurai, and Dean (Science & Humanities), Sethu Institute of Technology, addressed the gathering and congratulated the young Bharatanatyam students on their commendable performances.
In his address, Dr. Abdul Kadir observed that today's students face numerous challenges in maintaining concentration on their studies. He pointed out that the growing influence of smartphones, social media, and the digital world has significantly reduced the attention span of many young people, making it difficult for them to remain focused even for ten minutes on a single task.
He emphasized that traditional art forms such as Bharatanatyam play a vital role in developing concentration, improving physical fitness, and nurturing qualities such as self-confidence, discipline, punctuality, patience, and self-control. He remarked that Bharatanatyam is not merely a performing art but a valuable discipline that shapes one's character and life.
Speaking further, Dr. Abdul Kadir described Bharatanatyam as one of India's most treasured classical arts. He appreciated dance teachers for serving as guardians of this rich cultural heritage and for passing it on to future generations. He particularly praised Dr. Murugasankari, an accomplished Bharatanatyam exponent, vocalist, and teacher, for her dedicated efforts in imparting quality training to her students and preserving the classical tradition.
Another chief guest, Muniyasamy, Former Revenue Officer of the Madurai Corporation, congratulated all the young dancers, dance guru Dr. Murugasankari, and the accompanying orchestra members for presenting an impressive performance.
The Bharatanatyam recital featured outstanding performances by R. Aadhithi Manosila, S. Hrithika, S. Magizhini, S. Reshmika, P. Tamil Oli, C. Yazhini Sri, P. Bhavya Manosila, and S. Nandhini, who won the appreciation of the audience with their graceful presentations.
During the ceremony, the students participating in the Salangai Pooja paid Guru Vandanam to the renowned Bharatanatyam artist, teacher, and vocalist Dr. Murugasankari as a mark of gratitude and respect.
Parents, art lovers, and members of the public attended the function in large numbers and encouraged the young performers with their appreciation. The organizers concluded the event by expressing their heartfelt thanks to all the guests and participants.
The Salangai Pooja Ceremony stood out as a meaningful celebration dedicated to preserving India's classical cultural heritage while inspiring the younger generation to appreciate and uphold traditional arts.