Date:10/02/2009 URL: http://www.thehindu.com/2009/02/10/stories/2009021057790300.htm

Kerala - Thiruvananthapuram

Students to get a feel of the country’s heritage

Special Correspondent

Announcing an event: Pandit Hariprasad Chaurasia addressing a press conference in the city on Monday.

Thiruvananthapuram: More than 750 students from across the country are expected to take part in the 24th national convention of the Society for Promotion of Indian Classical Music and Culture Amongst Youth (Spicmacay) scheduled to be held here from May 24 to 29.

A galaxy of eminent artistes including Pandit Shivakumar Sharma (Santoor), Kalamandalam Ramankutty Nair (Kathakali), Ustad Fahimuddin Dagar (Dhrupad vocal), Pandit Rony Mazumdar (Flute), T.N. Seshagopalan (Carnatic vocal), T.N. Krishnan (Carnatic Violin), social activist Aruna Roy and filmmaker Adoor Gopalakrishnan will perform or interact with the participants.

The highlight of the six-day event is a special Gurukul-type intensive training for the students covering music, dance, crafts, painting and folk arts and a classical overnight of six music programmes, both Hindustani and Carnatic.

Addressing a press meet here on Monday, acclaimed Flautist Pandit Hariprasad Chaurasia and Spicmacay office-bearers leaders Kiran Seth and Santhosh S. Menon said the convention was organised with the aim of presenting the composite heritage of India to the youth and spreading the message of harmony, peace and integration.

“It is an effort tomake our students aware of the rich heritage of our country,” Mr. Menon said. Pandit Chaurasia said he was working on a project to revive the Gurukul system in the country. As a curtain raiser to the convention, the Kerala chapter of Spicmacay organised a flute concert by Pandit Chaurasia at Kendriya Vidyalaya here on Monday.