Power of Devotion and a Real Role Model

Sarojini Nangyaramma

 Based on an article read on a Sunday supplement of a news paper during June 2014, I came to know about Ms Sarojini Nangyaramma, who celebrating her 75th birthday. Surprised to know that even now she is performing the Nangyar Koothu, a temple art performed traditionally by the women of the Ambalavasi Nambiar community of Kerala in India, known as Nangyaramma. It is the sole domain of female artists. The stories for the performance are taken from Sree Krishna Charitham, depicting the life of Lord Krishna.


 The performance is through hand gestures, facial expressions and body movements to the accompaniment of the resonant pot drum Mizhavu.

Mizhavu

 Mizhavu is a big copper drum played as an accompanying percussion instrument in the koodiyattom and koothu.

 Being the Secretary of a women's library, the news inspired me to meet her. We planned an interview at her home on 30th of July 2014. The dedication and determination of the lady was amazing and no doubt that why she is still in the field at the age of even seventy five. She did her debut at the age of five and still continuing. We thought to honour her at AIWC, Aluva and arranged a seminar on Gender Sensitisation in which she made a beautiful presentation on how to love a profession and be a part and parcel of it. She even performed for us on the day.
With great pleasure this post is to let my readers know that she was awarded the  Lalithakala Nadaka Academy award.
Hat's off to you Ms Sarojini Nangyaramma, we are proud of you as a model for womanhood , keep on going, wish you the very best to perform and spread the art form as long as you live. God Bless !!!

News published in the Sunday supplement

Performance at AIWC