In The Realms of Art and Devotion (Collected Writings of Nandini Ramani)

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Kalaimamani Nandini Ramani, daughter of the illustrious Sanskrit scholar, Dr.V.Raghavan, is a veteran Bharatanatyam exponent from the renowned artistic lineage of Vidushi TBalasaraswati (Bala) and her close associate Nattuvanar K. Ganesan. Nandini is a recipient of the Central Sangeet Natak Akademi Award from the President of India for her multi-faceted contribution to the field of Bharatanatyam. She is well trained in Carnatic vocal music under two eminent teachers. Prof.B.Krishnamoorthy and Vidushi T.Mukta.

Natyakalasikhamani, Natya Padmam, Natya Kala Visarada, Natya Kala Tapasvi, Kala Seva Bharati Nandini Ramani, has been playing a vital role in the art scene for the past six decades of her career As managing trustee of Dr.V.Raghavan Centre For Performing Arts, she has been preserving and propagating the rich Bala legacy as well as Carnatic music and Sanskrit theatre, in India and other parts of the world, through her performances, lecture-demonstrations, master classes, and productions. receiving wide acclaim. Over the decades, Nandini has straddled the world of performance and scholarship.

Nandini is a widely respected Art Critic, Resource Person, Guide. Author, and Orator. A former Compere. Script Writer and Presenter of Chennai Doordarshan (1975-1993), Nandini has been a former Resident Dance Correspondent of The Hindu (1991-2006) and contributes for its Friday Features (2013-present). At Madras Music Academy, Nandini held the positions of Executive Board member (1995-1998) and Secretary (1998-2005). As a former Executive Board Member of the Sangeet Natak Akademi, New Delhi (2004-2009), Expert Member, Ministry of Culture, GOI (2009-2015), Expert Member, Central Dance Audition Board, I & B Ministry, GOI, (2013-2015) and GC Member, ICCR, 001 (2016-2020), Nandini served the cause of arts and artists with commitment. She is a Senior Associate of Sruti magazine.

Nandini has authored five books and several articles. Her noteworthy publications include a Biography of Dr.V.Raghavan (published by Sahitya Akademi. N.Delhi) and a Monograph on Vidushi T.Balasaraswati (pub.by Sangeet Natak Akademi, N. Delhi).

Padma Shri Awardee 100 Feb 2020 Sangita Kalanidhi Smt. Aruna Sairam Vice Chairman, Sangeet Natak Akademi, New Delhi

I am very happy to write the foreword for the book - "In the Realms of Art and Devotion" which is a collection of articles authored by Smt. Nandini Ramani.

My association with Nandini goes back to almost six decades, beginning from the times of our parents, both of whom hailed from the Punya kshetra -Tiruvarur. The next close bonding between us comes from the great lineage of music and dance that we both share; while I was a prime student of Vidushi T. Brinda, Nandini was a prime student of her cousin, the great T.Balasaraswati-Balamma, as we addressed her. I am glad that our close ties have held strong and firm over the decades, through an unbroken chain of friendship and artistic connection.

I am delighted to go through the different topics of spiritual and artistic content that Nandini has shared in this book in her own lucid style; her in-depth analysis of certain topics like Bharatanatyam, where the traditional format of the art form is keenly analyzed. The discussion on the Varnam as the vast canvas for improvisation brings out the rich experience of Nandini. Her deep love and regard for her illustrious father Dr. V. Raghavan, her devotion for her eminent Guru Bala, her interest in aspects of our glorious artistic heritage and spiritual treasures, reveal her multi-faceted skill and approach and validate her sustained work as a writer with consummate skill.

The section on Legends gives lively information, as observed by Nandini. Here we come across some unique legendary names in the dance field. The article "Samskrita Ranga 60"gives details of the amazing journey of the organisation through which Nandini still continues her father's endeavors in propagating Sanskrit Theatre.

The writer's concerns about the future of the art scene in her well-documented article on the Past, Present and the future of our performing arts brings forth the care and responsibility of the author as a senior exponent in the field.

This interesting publication offers an insightful journey into the realms of our arts and Indian heritage in general.

**Contents and Sample Pages**