A patriotic dancer
by Panchamee Hewavissenti
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Pic: Sudath Nishantha
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Shashipriya Ranjana Chathuranga from Kegalle is one of the rarest Sri
Lankan male icons who has excelled in Bharatha Natyam. He is the
director of the `Bharatha Nruthya Rangana Kala Nikethan’, Kegalle. He
holds the recognition of being the youngest Bharatha Natyam Guru in Sri
Lanka who is currently serving as a Bharatha Natyam teacher in an
international school.
Chathuranga has received his Bharatha Natyam education initially at
the Bharatha Natya Shastralam from Bharatha Chudamani Wasantha Kumari
Suriyakumaran and Basil Mihiripenna. Later he joined the
Kalakshethralaya in Chennai to pursue higher studies in Bharatha Natyam
and Indian dancing styles.
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Awards he received |
At present he conducts dancing classes at various places in the
country including Sudarshi. He is making arrangements to bring all his
students on one stage to show their colours and to recognise talents in
those who study under him and assist them come up in dancing in what
ever way and bring them to the international standard.
Students of various levels are studying in his academy such as
university students, final year students in the Bellwood fine arts
academy and students who have finished studies at Sripali, Horana. As
Chathuranga says his academy renders a service for those who are not
employed.
His main aim for this year is to hold a musical extravaganza called “
Tharuwak samaga tharuka reyak”. He is intending to enlist a large number
of artistes in that show. The main purpose behind that is to raise funds
for the memorial statue for war heroes. He hopes to hold this musical
extravaganza in many areas of the country.
The Social Development Youth Foundation headed by him has done many
social services including a contribution of over Rs 80,000 to the state
defence fund in 2000 from a dancing show with his students, in Kegalle.
He was appointed as the Director of the National Music Federation but
unfortunately he had to leave the position prematurely.
Dancing first became Chathuranga’s passion and then the profession
and now he uses his dancing talents to serve the country. What a rare
feelings of an artiste of our time to use his talents to serve the
community although he hardly receives any encouragement or support from
people. |
