Make Kuchipudi reflect Telugu culture: CM

To revive traditional arts and highlight the significance of Andhra Pradesh's Kuchipudi dance, Chief Minister N Chandrababu Naidu has asked the culture and tourism department to take steps to include a state-wide performance of Kuchipudi dancers during the Godavari Pushkarams.

In a meeting today at Secretariat, the Chief Minister asked renowed Kuchipudi dancer Anand Kuchibotla, the chairman of Kuchipudi Natyaramam, to come up with a theme where Kuchipudi dancers across the state in every village will pay respects to river Godavari through their dance.

'Since the Godavari river is considered divine, the dance will be our way of paying tributes to the river which is our lifeline,' the Chief Minister said.

The Chief Minister said that performances could be planned in every village while on the other hand, temples will perform pujas during the Godavari Pushkarams.

On the other hand, to promote Kuchipudi and traditional arts in the state, the Chief Minister was informed by Anand Kuchibotla that syllabus has been prepared to introduce Kuchipudi in 6th class which will go on till 9th standard.

Four years after pursuing the course (after 10th standard), students will be eligible for a diploma in Kuchipudi, he said. Mr Kuchibotla also suggested that a day be declared for 'Natyabhyasam' where students will be initiated into the dance.

The Chief Minister has asked the culture and tourism department officials to outsource the onus of holding Kuchipudi classes in private schools while in Government schools, the state will ensure that classes are conducted by Kuchipudi dance teachers.

Currently, Andhra Pradesh has about 15,000-20,000 dancers, Mr Kuchibotla said. 'Identify local artists in every district and give them an opportunity to perform at various government and private events,' the Chief Minister told officials.

Explaining that Kuchipudi village will have a 'Natyaramam,' (Kuchipudi Dance Academy) the Chief Minister said that the department has to ensure to have performances of Kuchipudi at every government/private function.

'The department can identify functions and refer concerned teachers/students to give performances,' he said, adding that the dance should reflect Telugu culture and heritage.

Stating that Kuchipudi village will play a crucial role in new capital, the Chief Minister said the place should reflect it's the state's cultural richness.

He directed Mr Kuchibotla to come up with a theme and plan a performance on a massive scale for the Indian Navy's international review fleet meet in February 2016.