A 26-year-old female student is breaking both gender and caste barriers with every step to the beat of a chenda. This is the story of Seetha Satheesh K.
My father had been the recipient of the Sahitya Akademi Award for his work,” she shares. “Since I was young, my father has been a leading figure to inspire me in the fields of arts and culture.”
The dance is performed to please the gods. “There are different kolams (characters) played by the artists and which represent each deity,” Seetha informs.
“Last year, during my BEd course in college, we had a seminar on the dance form, led by Moorkkanad Peethambaran. I took this opportunity to request him to train me in the form.”
“I have faced criticism and even threats from people for performing this artform.” But her unwavering spirit keeps her going. “Where there is a revolution, there will be challenges,” she smiles.