The State government is establishing a cultural centre at Kallepalli village near Srikakulam with the academic support from noted Kuchipudi dancer Swathi Somanath and technical support from the Jawaharlal Nehru Technological University Kakinada (JNTUK).
The art and cultural institution that provides teaching in classical music and dance forms is aimed at enabling continuity of the rich cultural heritage, and empower the youngsters towards learning the art forms, besides encouraging wider vocational employment in the region.
Following orders issued by the District Collector of Srikakulam regarding allocation of land and assigning the JNTUK as nodal agency to oversee the civil works, Ms. Swathi, director of Sampradayam Dance and Music Centre, signed a MoU with the university here.
Born and brought up at Doosi Agraharam in Srikakulam district, Ms. Swathi learnt Kuchipudi and gave numerous performances in various parts of India and abroad.
Her dance ballet ‘Kamasutra’ brought her instant fame in the classical dance circles.
“I am happy that I am taking part in a prestigious project. Encouraging native art forms is the need of the hour, as most youngsters are unable to know about our vast cultural heritage,” says Ms. Swathi.
The Bureau of Industrial Consultant Services (BICS) of the JNTUK is going to be the nodal agency for execution of civil works such as drawings, quality check, and monitoring of the complete project.
“It is going to be another feather in the cap of the university. The BICS will extend its complete cooperation to the project and ensure timely completion of the construction works,” says V.S.S. Kumar, Vice-Chancellor of the JNTUK.
