CATEGORY : HERITAGE TOURISM
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| Old News Paper Cutting about Vijnana Kalavedi |
Vijnana Kala Vedi
Cultural Centre, Aranmula, established in 1977, is one of the pioneering
institutes that attempts at preserving the ancient Indian Culture. Inaugurated
by a French artist, Louba Schild, the main objective of this organization is to
impart aesthetic sense amongst the Indian populace.
The concept of the
artistic and cultural traditions that are followed in India, which is still
more or less blurred or vague in the minds of most people, gets a concrete
manifestation here. The spirit of India finds a vibrant expression in its
traditional arts, crafts and performing arts.
The center seeks to
acquaint the foreign nationals with the artistic and cultural heritage of
India. It also undertakes the artistic training of the youngsters of our
country, in order to preserve the cultural tradition of India.
Various institutions
assisted in the formation of this cultural center. These institutions include
UNESCO, Sangeet Natak Academy of India, South Zone Cultural Centre and some
other renowned organizations. Since this organization has National and
International recognition, Vijnana Kala Vedi Cultural Centre, Aranmula is the
perfect place for the blooming of talents.
The year 1981 is
especially memorable in the history of Vijnana Kala Vedi Cultural Centre, Aranmula.
In this year, mural paintings belonging to this cultural centre found a place
in the exhibition held at the Museum of Fine Arts in Paris. Here, the Indian
Department of the Centre of Fine Arts received high recognition and henceforth
it gained tremendous popularity.
In 1991, a seminar was
organized by the Vijnana Kala Vedi Cultural Centre, Aranmula. Based on
traditional arts, crafts and mural paintings, it became an incredible success
for this cultural organization.
A Centre for
Traditional Architecture and Mural Painting has been set up as a part of its
success saga, which came to be known as Vastu Vidya Gurukulam. The credit for
setting up this wonderful institution goes to the Kerala Government.
This centre also owns
the Kathakali Kaliyogam. The Vijnana Kala Vedi Cultural Centre, Aranmula has
become a great centre for dance and songs alike. Karnatic Vocal Music,
Mohiniattam, Bharatnatyam, Kalamezuthu and Mural Paintings are some of the
distinctive performing arts that are greatly patronized in Vijnana Kala Vedi
Cultural Centre. A tour to Aranmula is almost incomplete without a visit to
this reputed institution that has always been one of the leaders in the attempt
of preserving Indian culture.
- In the years 1979-80, the Centre received a grant from IFPC (International Fund for Promotion of Culture), UNESCO and organized a large number of performances, concerts, workshops, exhibitions and offered several scholarships to children and youngsters to pursue their art education within the Centre as well as at other centres in Kerala.
- In 1981, the Centre organized workshops on Kathakali for school children at an ‘India' Festival at the Museum of Modern Art, Paris.
- In 1991, the Centre organized a week-long festival called ‘Saagara' at Kovalam sponsored by the Government of Kerala. As part of this festival, performances, workshops and exhibitions took place on the seashore.
- In 1991, the Centre also organized a seminar on traditional architecture following it up with a project proposal for the creation of a Centre for Traditional Architecture & Mural Painting. The Government of Kerala took up the project, establishing the Vastu Vidya Gurukulam at Aranmula. Ms Louba Schild was appointed Vice Chairperson of the Institution.
- For three years from 1996 onwards, the Centre worked in partnership with UNESCO, offering a six month residency at Aranmula for young professional artists from third world countries to learn traditional music and dance, under the programme IFPC-ASCHBERG Bursaries for Artists
- In 2001, the Centre received official recognition from the Department of Culture and the Department of Tourism. In the same year, the Centre offered scholarships to 10 children to learn Kathakali at the renowned Kathakali village, Vellinezhy
The Centre celebrated
the year 2002 as its 25th anniversary Jubilee Year. On December 13th the Centre
was honored by a visit from the respected Chief Minister of Kerala, Sri A K
Antony
In the year 2003, the
Centre started the ‘Volunteer to Teach English" programme in the nearby
Malayalam medium schools, with the official recognition of the General
Education Department, Government of Kerala.
For more details contact
Address
Tharayil Mukku
Aranmula
Pathanamthitta
689 533
Phone
0468- 2214483, 2310451
Website
www.vijnanakalavedi.org