Monday 30 April 2012

Roses & Thorns - Should Leela Samson reconsider her resignation from Kalakshetra?

Several artistes around the country, the world and especially in my home town of Chennai are stunned with the news. I have been getting so many phone calls and sms messages expressing universal dismay at Leela Samson's decision. The  PIL that was filed by a disgruntled former student about her age being over 60 (totally ridiculous) was allegedly dismissed by the courts recently but her decision to resign without the knowledge of some of the Kalakshetra committee present at the April 10th meeting has added to the dismay among the leaders of the artistic community in Chennai.

Kalakshetra needs Leela Samson now more than ever. Classical dance needs a strong and capable visionary to guide it through its perilous state.

What do you feel?

Should Leela Samson reconsider her decision?

Should the voice and feelings of the artistes be heard in unison (for once!)?

Kalakshetra deserves a leader with an international profile in the arts and administration.

Leela Samson is the ideal person and she should be persuaded to continue to do her excellent work at this iconic institution.

Tell us what you feel.

Sign this Petition - Voice your support
Ministry of Culture, Board members of Kalakshetra and officials of the GOI: Reinstate Leela Samson as the Director of Kalakshetra

We urge all those who are concerned about the future of our performing arts to speak up through this online forum
 

- Anita Ratnam


8 comments:

  1. Leela Samson is a true torch-bearer of Rukmini Devi's vision. According to Leelaji's biography, Rukmini Devi herself faced so many obstacles while founding and running Kalakshetra. Our bureaucracy has scant respect to heritage and committed people are just not allowed to hold any position of power and profiteers are ever-ready standing in the side wings to pull down visionaries. Given her dynamism, sixty is hardly an age to ask her to retire and relinquish all that she has been doing to put Kalakshetra on the world map that it deserves as an institution. I was happy to see them perform in NCPA, Mumbai and seeing Leelaji there in person, encouraging her artistes, reminded me of the time way back in the late seventies and early eighties when Rukmini Devi herself traveled personally with her troupe (Buddhavataram in Chowdiah Memorial Hall, Bengaluru). I sincerely hope that she will be allowed to continue and do the good work she has been doing with unquestionable integrity and honesty.

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  2. Yes,
    She should reconsider her decision. It will be a loss to Kalakshetra and its current students not to have a visionary like her. As we are discussing the issue, I hope Narthaki spearheads an online petition, where all artists can say in unison, for her return. This petition should be submitted to the Ministry of Culture and to the Kalakshetra board. Would Narthaki do this?

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  3. Well looks like 'art' scene is into lot of talks & controversies over the past few months, Leela samson's exit from kalakshetra Or the recent article which i read about Sunil kothari's (in narthaki.com) & somebody from that festival pointing how these critics write about particular artists becuase their hotels bills are looked after by this artists so on , so forth. Like Mr.Ragothaman has suggested may be Narthaki can help us to sort such issues for us.

    Sheela

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  4. To remove Leela Samson from the directorship of Kalakshetra is to remove the institution's beating heart, leaving a hollow shell to be gnawed by the bureaucracy like dogs fighting over a bone.

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  5. This is ultimately Mrs. Leela Samson's decision.
    Maybe it was the last straw on a series of events which she has tolerated for many years. The fact that she was able to travel with a Kalakshetra troupe in America last year was in itself a great achievement. Wherever she is, she will continue to do great work in the dance field and beyond. If Mrs. Samson wants to continue her work there, let's support her and make sure that such circumstances do not rise again.
    Best wishes for whatever she chooses to do next. I know the offers will be many.
    Peace. Jai Govinda - Canada.

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  6. Art and administration are two different paths. Art lies within one's own heart, administration requires changes of many other's heart. Most artists will have difficulty in administration, as this involves too many parameters. Most art administration is thankless job. I am not surpraised Guru Leela Samson has stepped down. Administration involves bureaucracy, one has to deal with it. Thats where the leadership lies. Usually, artists are soft on issues, as they are very sensitive. Only those who can make hard decisions can make the things work for their vision. It may involve some rudeness and conniving to make the things work. one should use "sama-daana-bheda-danda". The leadership roles could be difficult, if one becomes emotional. One can look at the example of Jawaharlal Nehru and Vallabh Bhai Patel. Two great leaders. But one is still ruling through his dynasty, other vanished in history, as he was principled and emotional. I regret, a prolific artist such Leelaji had to step down. But I believe, it will lead to another eminent person to hold the mantle of Kalakshetra. Kalakshetra is not one person's dance school. It is a symbol of Bharathanatya, which reflects democracy. Let others come and rule the mantle. Gurus like Leela Samson and others could an introspective eyes for quality control.

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  7. parul pandya dhar4 May 2012 at 22:00

    The sequence of events and the circumstances that led Leela Samson to put in her resignation papers need to be reviewed carefully by the Ministry, and the possibility of re-instituting her as the Director for a further period of five years needs to be seriously addressed. During her tenure as Director, Kalakshetra, Leela Samson’s vision, devotion, integrity and tireless efforts to strengthen the ideals of her alma mater and to ensure its long life as a sustainable and professional institution of excellence in the arts in the 21st century, can scarcely be questioned. Kalakshetra in particular and the future of India’s performing arts in general stand to gain immensely from her. Her sudden exit leaves many crucial projects incomplete, which at this stage are not likely to be as competently taken care of by anyone else.

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  8. Its time for a new and resurgent Art India. We are looking forward for the induction of new blood as the Director of Kalakshetra. They will surely bring in new contemporary ideas into this great institution. Kalakshetra cannot be caught in this old rut of same antique ideas.
    Since Anita Ratnam has every deserving chance to become the next Director, we need to offer her our support which she always deserved, but was denined because of Leela samson's clout in Delhi. Kindly please lets not thread around insignificant topic of bringing Leelaji back and rather focus on what Anita Ratnam can do! And surely will.

    - Lavanya Iyer
    (Bridgewater, N.J., U.S.A)

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