September 22, 2003 Chennai
All past and present students, their parents, connoisseurs and admirers together made a memorable event celebrating the 60th birthday of their beloved universal AKKA (Shanta Akka) on 22nd September 2003. Kalakshetra auditorium was full with a jubilant crowed pouring their affection and admiration in an unpretentious way. Akka and Anna arrived in a horse driven chariot, taking them down the memory lane of their childhood; youthful, romantic and house hold memories at the Kalakshetra campus. Akka’s best of friends like Savitri Jagannatha Rao, Krishnaveni Lakshmanan, Ambika Buch, Janardanan and old Besant school teachers and Kalakshetra teachers, several other senior and junior colleagues during her Kalakshetra days, were there to welcome her on to the stage. Satyajit gave a surprise gift of welcome prayer dance choreographed with the youngest of the Bharatakalanjali tribes. Devika was in full blossom of poetical accolades showering on to her mentor. Representatives from various field of art and organizations, senior and junior Bharatanatyam artists all in an informal way, greeted Shantakka with flowers, shawls, bouquets and gifts. And the most precious gift was the sudden appearance of Akka’s favourite actress Manorama.
Finally the event became a spiritually uplifting evening with Arun’s scintillating Bhajans for which every one joined to dance like in a trance.
It was indeed a memorable event and a celebration of a different kind. No VVIPs, no unwanted superfluous and hypocritical speeches, no media cameras and flashlights. Utter simplicity prevailed, yet a remarkable evening to cherish.
