Annual Report: Karma Kalakendram
1 January 2022 31 December 2022
Music Master Class Online
In 2022-23, Karma Kalakendram organised Music Master Classes and online sessions for dance teachers, with a primary focus on preparing students for graded studies accredited by the UK education system. As the official nodal agency of the Oriental Fine Arts Academy London in Northern Ireland, Karma Kalakendram took responsibility for organising both theoretical and practical examinations in Carnatic-based performing arts.
A pivotal element of this initiative was the master classes designed specifically for teachers instructing students from 4th to 8th grade in Indian Classical dance and music. These sessions were led by Dr. Geetha Upadhyaya, a distinguished expert in Indian Classical arts and the founder chairperson of Kalasangham Bradford. This initiative not only benefited Karma Kalakendram's dance and music students but also led to the appointment of Karma's teachers as dance examiners for online examinations across the UK and Ireland. This expanded their expertise and influence in the field of performing arts education, solidifying Karma Kalakendram's reputation as a leader in this space.
Online Dance Classes and Dance Drama Project
In response to the ongoing challenges posed by the COVID-19 pandemic, Karma Kalakendram transitioned all art, cultural education, and event activities to a virtual format throughout 2022. This adaptation included our core offerings in dance, music, and language classes. We are pleased to report that the majority of our students actively engaged with these virtual platforms, allowing us to maintain the high standard of instruction and participation that Karma Kalakendram is known for. Additionally, our director board leveraged the virtual format to invite numerous international talents from India and other parts of the world to participate in our programs, thereby enriching the learning experience for all students. While the preparation for several dance drama projects was completed successfully, we faced challenges in establishing effective virtual platforms for group performances, which remains an area for further development.
Dance Drama Project Funded by ABC Council
The Dance Drama Project, funded by the ABC Council and partially completed in 2019-20, was extended until the 2022-23 financial year. Significant progress was made in props and choreography. Unfortunately, due to the ongoing pandemic lockdowns, we were unable to host the event at the originally planned venue. In light of this situation, Karma Kalakendram decided to refund a portion of the project funding to the ABC finance department, specifically covering costs associated with the venue and theatre hire that could not be utilised. This decision reflects our commitment to financial integrity and our responsibility to our partners and sponsors.
Loka Kerala Sabha Europe-UK Regional Conference
Karma Kalakendram was appointed by the Government of Kerala representatives to manage the finances for the Loka Kerala Sabha Europe-UK regional conference. The total income for the event was ₹19,300, while the total expenditure amounted to ₹18,050.
The Europe-UK regional conference of the Loka Kerala Sabha (LKS) was held in London on Sunday, October 9, at the St. James Court Hotel. The conference was inaugurated by Chief Minister Pinarayi Vijayan, bringing together members of the LKS from across the European region, along with invited guests from various fields. The discussions focused on expanding the role of the LKS in contributing to the overall development of Kerala, particularly in key sectors such as education and agriculture.
The event sought to harness the expertise and global experience of non-resident Keralites for the state's progress. The state government delegation included notable figures such as Ministers P Rajeeve, V Sivankutty, and Veena George, Norka Vice-Chairman P Sreeramakrishnan, State Planning Board Vice-Chairman V K Ramachandran, Planning Board Member K Ravi Raman, Norka Principal Secretary Suman Billa, and the state government’s Special Officer in New Delhi, Venu Rajamony.
During the conference, Chief Minister Vijayan engaged with doctors and research students based in Norway, assuring them of Kerala's commitment to providing research facilities on par with those in Norway. He emphasised that upgrading research infrastructure in Kerala to match international standards would significantly enhance the quality of research conducted in the state.
Overall, the conference served as a crucial platform for exploring how the Loka Kerala Sabha can further contribute to Kerala's development by engaging the global Malayali diaspora.