Celebrating a Legacy: SMT. SUBITHA V. MURALI’S COMMITMENT TO INDIAN DANCE & CULTURE!

Guru Natya Sharada Subitha V. Murali, the Director and Principal of Saraswathy Kala Kendra & Research Centre (SKK), has been an eminent figure in the field of dance for over three decades. A “Nritya Visharad” in Bharatanatyam, she has completed extensive training in Bharatanatyam and Kuchipudi, culminating in her ‘Ranga Pravesham’ performance. Guru Subitha holds a postgraduate degree in Commerce and Economics, a Masters in Business Administration, a Masters in Indian Art and Culture from Mumbai University, and a Masters in Bharatanatyam from Tamil University. Currently, she is pursuing her PhD.

Guru Subitha’s artistic journey has been shaped by her tutelage under renowned gurus such as Dr. Smt. Rajya Lakshmi Seth (disciple of K. Sarasa, Late Guru Vedantam Jagannath Sarma, Smt. Dr. Uma. K. Ramarao, and Smt. Sumathy Kaushal). She has also honed her craft through workshops with the legendary Guru Kalanidhi Narayanan. Guru Subitha has performed extensively in both classical and folk dance styles, with a vision to spread her deep knowledge and passion for these art forms.

In 1992-93, she founded Saraswathy Kala Kendra & Research Centre, which is affiliated with the Akhil Bharatiya Gandharva Maha Vidyalaya, Maharashtra Brahmanpuri, and is a member of the International Council of Dance (CID) France, UNESCO. With the support of the Department of Culture, Government of Maharashtra, Sangeet Natak Akademi, and the Ministry of Culture, Government of India, SKK has grown into a recognized institution dedicated to training students in classical, semi-classical, contemporary, and fusion dance styles. Guru Subitha has trained and choreographed thousands of students across Mumbai for prestigious festivals and competitions, earning numerous accolades and prizes along the way.

On 27th September, Guru Subitha conducted the All India National Dance Competition and Annual Cultural Festival, a major event recognized and supported by the Department of Culture, Government of Maharashtra, and the Government of India. The event also received support from the esteemed Sangeet Natak Akademi, adding to its significance in the promotion and celebration of Indian classical dance.

Guru Subitha envisions taking Indian classical dance to every Indian, ensuring that future generations remain connected to India’s rich cultural heritage. She believes that the classical dance forms are not merely performances but are pathways to a deeper understanding of life, spirituality, health, and divine connection. For her, these dances embody yogic practices, promoting mental and physical well-being and fostering spiritual awareness.

Under her leadership, SKK offers a range of certificate courses, diplomas, Visharad degrees, and teacher training programs, with the ultimate aim of transforming the institution into a hub for learning and preserving classical dance forms. As a symbol of women’s empowerment, she won the title of Perfect Woman Mrs. India Intellectual in 2018, reinforcing her commitment to inspiring and uplifting others through her art.

Saraswathy Kala Kendra remains a beacon for arts lovers and cultural organizations alike, striving to keep alive the rich traditions of classical dance for future generations.