Brochure distributed October 2018 for AHIMSA – KNS’ 150th show to celebrate Mahatma Gandhi’s 150th
Go to www.knsdance.com/Ahimsa or click on this link
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October/November 2016
For the past 5 years the work has been booming. Although Kalaaksharam was inaugurated in 2009, the activities have been in full force for 5 years. From 2 or 3 projects we now have 20 projects serving 20 villages.
5 years – 20 projects – 20 villages – 8 trips by Rani – $180K (more than one crore)
To feel a sense of accomplishment, a mega event was planned. First of its kind in a village. They have only seen record dance not Bharatanatyam. From Karate to English everything was a novelty and a huge success! Highlight of the event was the inauguration of CHERIAN COMPUTER CENTER.
Humanitarian
AMMA (Albana Maathar Muthiyor Annadanam) feeds 60 elderly ladies every Thursday. Read more about them in the previous brochures listed above.
Annandhanam
PIMS (Puduchery Institute of Medical Science) Medical Camp: For 4 years they have been coming regularly. More than 50 camps treating more than 150 patients each time. Now PIMS has changed the structure — a survey is taken and chronic illness detected, their bus comes and picks 20 of them at a time.
PIMS Medical
SANKARA NETRALAYA EYE CAMP: Most patients who came for the regular medical camp were more interested in getting eye glasses. To date more than $4000 has been spent on eye glasses alone. Therefore it was our desire to start a separate eye camp and we tapped the world’s famous eye care hospital. The first ‘test’ camp was on 10th November for 2 hours. Amazing response. 119 patients. Rani’s Innova was used to transport 10 for immediate surgery.
First Eye Camp by Sankara Netralaya 10th Nov 2016
DARMA (Disabled Adults Resources and Multi-Arts) has been in the making for past 2 years. 20 handicapped and blind adults have been identified in the 20 villages. Rani made several attempts to get a music teacher for flute and violin, but she was not successful. However, she met Sudhakar and his wife in the Kovathur market and celebrated his wife’s birthday. Although not an adult, Bhuvaneswari from Vayalur does not have one leg and one hand. She is our special child. We celebrated Deepavali with her. When we went to her house she was in her school uniform helping her father fix broom by aligning the sticks. What a joy to receive gifts! Don’t miss that million dollar smile!
Blind & Disabled
FUTURE: In the making… Bharatanatyam for the Hearing Impaired. Guru Rani has experience in tutoring along this line. Arts for the Autistic is also in the planning. Welcome to any suggestions and connections!
Fine Arts
BHARATANATYAM – more than 30 students were trained through a salaried teacher (Ms Pavitra) and then thru Skype and videos by KNS students. This year Guru Rani directly trained some of them to ascend to the next level. A new group of little ones also joined. Ganesha Gouvthvm by Senthil and Jaichitra; Nadanamaadinaar by Gayatri, Nithya, Yogalashmi and Senthil; Vande Mataram by a group of 10 little girls.
Bharatanatyam
KARATE – Originally trained by Mr. Rajasekhar the troupe went to Chennai in 2014. Mr. Abipulla now trains the group. They are there at 6 in the morning during some week days but meet regularly on Sundays.
OVIYAM (drawing) class is sponsored by Dr. Thambi Thomas’ MENTOR IMAGES named after his maternal grandfather Mr. Arul Mentor of Pondicherry. Classes are now taught by Mr. Senthil Kumar.
Karate – performance at the Mega Event on 13 Nov 2016
Giving a Future
TAILORING – Third batch of Tailoring Group is soon to begin. The first group under the tutelage of Janaki – more than 40 of them went to Export companies and some bought sewing machine through the Government and began an occupation at home. While these first two batches have learnt to make girls dresses, blouses, chudithars, the new batch under Vimla will be making dance costumes.
SPOKEN ENGLISH – While the first batch of girls briefly attended a few sessions, this second batch of young men attended classes three days a week and were motivated to speak English. They were able to interact on a stage show at the mega event – amidst a lot of cheers from their family and friends. Wives and children were beaming as their husbands rattled in English. Ramesh seemed to be the first to memorize so Guru Rani asked him how much he had studied, he said only till 9th but if you are here Madam I will even finish college…
Spoken English Class
ELECTRICAL AND PLUMBING TRAINING. The focus is mainly on Women and Women’s education but Rani noticed there were many young men without a job or proper education or vocational training. Thru Mr. Shankar who hails from the neighboring village Lattur and an award-winning photographer of Times of India, contact was made with an institute in Chennai, Thakkar Bapa. Tears welled when Rani found out this institute was inaugurated by Mahatma Gandhi in the 40s. What a privilege to negotiate with this prestigious institution and provide Electrical training to the young men in Vittalapuram. 33 of them have initially registered for a six-month course to begin in January 2017.
New Project: Electrical Training for Young Men
CHERIAN COMPUTER CENTER was inaugurated at the Mega Event by a close family friend of Dr. M. E. Cherian, Mr. Ashley Isaiah. Next to her own father Pastor S. Thomas, Rani’s adoration is for 2 other stalwarts – Pastor S. James and Dr. M. E. Cherian, who was the president of Spicer Memorial College during her time (60s to 80s). Rani’s loyalty goes beyond academic. When she entered college at age 15 no body knew she was a dancer since her family is very strong Seventh-day Adventists. Dr. Cherian at that time was trying to get recognition for the college and wanted indigenous programs so Rani went along and performed thus proudly displaying her talent. Later in Maryland Dr. Cherian officially inaugurated Kalairani Natya Saalai in Maryland. She believes she is what she is today because of his support. He will always be Mahatma Cherian to her.
Mr. P. R. Solomon, owner of KarunaiAnandha Ashram in Tanjore donated two computers. Meena Cherian donated three. We are still in need of 4 more. Ms. Rashmi will be teaching the first session for the young ladies.
New Project: Cherian Computer Center
FUTURE: Scroll up – under Spoken English read what Ramesh said – that plea has inspired Rani to start a Tutorial College very soon.
Support System
SUPPORTING THE LOCAL SCHOOLS is one of Kalaaksharam’s goals. Scholarship cash awards were given in the past. The Government School was in need of a Printer Fax Wifi equipment which was donated on the day of the Mega event.
AGRICULTURE – the land yields fruits and vegetables which are distributed to many. The vegetables, the banana yield, the jasmine flowers, a boy plucking beans for his mother, etc. To reciprocate the support by the Pentecost Pastor’s children we awarded them an outing in Chennai.
Misc: Supporting & Enjoyable
Enjoyable
Although there are bugs and mosquitoes, the calmness the serene atmosphere makes this sanctuary an enjoyable place to stay. Currently there are some water/septic issues that need Rs. 84K (or $1300) to fix. Hopefully this will be done before the next visit.