Starting today, for the next three days Indian Institute of Space Technology (IIST), will witness training of a different kind. The campus at Valiamala hosts ‘Layam 2015’, the state-level convention of SPIC MACAY (Society for Promotion of Indian Classical Music and Culture Amongst Youth), which creates a platform for legendary artistes to interact with and enlighten a group of youngsters on the rich cultural legacy of India.
Since its inception in 1977, SPIC MACAY has been spearheading a cultural revolution of sorts by taking art forms to the youth. The voluntary student movement has a strong presence in Kerala as well. And it is these various state chapters of SPIC MACAY that will come together for the convention.
“A state convention is a get-together of students, teachers and volunteers from institutions where we have done programmes. The aim is to create more volunteers and more chapters, thereby strengthening the foundation of the organisation,” says Velayudha Kurup, general secretary, SPIC MACAY, Kerala chapter.
Last year, over 150 programmes were held across Kerala by various chapters, and this included those in small and big institutions. In addition to aided, government, private and international schools, SPIC MACAY has now reached out to government schools as well. The convention includes talks, workshops, lecture demonstrations, classical concerts, movies, and various activities meant to ignite young minds. “Through the convention, we want the students to get connected with the cultural heritage,” Kurup adds.
“ We want the students to get connected with the cultural heritage. ”
This year, 300 students are partaking in the convention, which include those in the age group of 13 to 25. The convention is attended by maestros such as veteran violinist T. N. Krishnan, Bharatanatyam dancer Malavika Sarukkai and renowned flautist Pt. Hariprasad Chaurasia.
“Through this three-day event we try to give the young minds a unique experience. The day starts at 4.30 a.m. where they perform yoga. Throughout the day they take part in workshops/intensives of their choice, and they also get to witness performances by great artistes. We hope that after the event these spirited students leave the campus with enlightened souls and lighten up others' lives also,” says Rajeev N. Kini, faculty member of the Indian Institute of Science Education and Research (IISER), which is co-hosting the event.
Looking forward to the convention are volunteers of SPIC MACAY. Thressy Thomas, a fourth year student of Government Law College, Kozhikode, who is also the secretary of the Kozhikode chapter of SPIC MACAY, says: “I have been a volunteer of the Society for the last four years. For me, the convention is a time to introspect. You have close interactions with gurus, and learn something new. At the end of the three days, you are filled with so much positivity,” she says.
Arthi Ravi, an Integrated PhD student in Chemistry at IISER, too puts it as a learning experience. Having participated in the international convention of SPICMACAY in Chennai, Arthi, a Carnatic musician and veena player, says that the convention is a huge platform for people like her.
Highlights
February 6: | Chakyarkoothu session led by Margi Sajeev Chakyar (11.30 a.m.), violin recital by Prof. T. N. Krishnan (after inauguration at 5.30 p.m.), Theyyam by Lakshmanan Tiruvannan (9 p.m.) |
February 7: | Screening of movie Nizhalkoothu (2 p.m.), Bharatanatyam by Malavika Sarukkai (6 p.m.) |
February 8: | Closing ceremony at 1.30 p.m. followed by Hindustani flute concert by Pt. Hariprasad Chaurasia. |
