The fourth annual Vidya Bharati Kala Sammelan brought together artists, teachers, students, parents and community members at the SVBF Auditorium, 80 Brydon Drive, Etobicoke, on Saturday, 24 October 2026. Jointly organised by Sringeri Vidya Bharati Foundation Canada, Bharati Kala Manram and Sangeet Bharathi Indian Classical Music, the event centred on the theme “Classical Arts Thriving Among Second Generation.”
The day combined discussion of cultural transmission with music and dance performances and recognition of artistic and community service. Through the experiences of established teachers, younger artists and parents, the Sammelan considered how Indian classical traditions can continue to grow among generations raised in Canada.
Inauguration and welcome
The inaugural programme included a land acknowledgement, national anthems and ceremonial lighting of the lamp. Participating in the lamp lighting were Dr. V. Lakshmanan, Dr. Param Bhat, Mrs. Sharada Bhat, Vid. Archana Sriram, Vid. Sriram Suryanarayan, Vid. Lavanya Krishnan and Pt. Vinayak Hegde.
Dr. Lakshmanan, a founder of Kala Sammelan and Chairman of Sringeri Vidya Bharati Foundation Canada, was acknowledged for his leadership and contribution to Canadian society. A recipient of the Order of Canada, one of Canada’s highest civilian honours, he has been an inspiration to many Canadians. Dr. Param Bhat, also a founder of the Sammelan and a trustee and Vice Chairman of the Foundation, was recognised for his longstanding involvement in Indo-Canadian organisations and community life.
Pt. Vinayak Hegde, a founding member of Kala Sammelan and Founder Director of Sangeet Bharathi Indian Classical Music, welcomed the gathering. In his opening address, Dr. Lakshmanan shared his thoughts on Indian music, dance and culture, emphasising their capacity to bring people together, encourage creativity and sustain cultural heritage.
Opening music and dance
The opening artistic offerings included Dasaru and Dikshitar Ghoshti Gayana by Vid. Archana Sriram, Vid. Lavanya Krishnan and their group, followed by Alarippu, an ensemble of dance gurus convened by Dr. Swiya Murti. The Alarippu ensemble featured three dance gurus: Vid. Sridevi Vishwanathan of Natya Tapasya Dance Academy, Vid. Shobha Anand of Nrithyatharangini School of Dance and Choreography, and Guru Vid. Muktha Hegde of Mukta Natya Centre.
Perspectives on the next generation
The morning presentations approached the Sammelan’s theme through research, artistic experience, teaching history and parenting. Ananya Balike presented “When Dance Speaks, Who Understands?”, examining language, cultural understanding and meaning in Bharatanatyam. A graduate of Western University in Psychology and Linguistics, she is pursuing an MA in Theatre, Dance, and Performance Studies at York University. Her training with accomplished gurus led to her arangetram in 2018 under Guru Vid. Prabha Raghavan at Sri Sanskriti Dance Academy.
Kum. Sayujya Srinivasan spoke on moving to India for cultural growth, bringing an artist’s perspective to the relationship between immersion and artistic development.
Vid. Vasantha Krishnan reflected on the early days of Bharatanatyam in Montreal. Her contribution drew on decades of teaching and institution building through Nrithyalaya, which she founded in 1976 and which marks fifty years in 2026.
Sri. Vinay Paramanand addressed inculcating Indian culture in young minds, including the satisfactions and challenges experienced by a parent. An innovation and entrepreneurship leader and co-founder of Youth2Opportunities with his daughter, he brought both community experience and a parent’s perspective to questions of roots, confidence and identity.
A lecture demonstration by Dr. Swiya Murti and group followed, addressing the challenges of passing classical dance to the second and third generations. Together, these sessions connected the day’s theme with the practical work of teaching, learning and supporting young artists.
Afternoon dance and awards
Following the lunch break, Sayujya Srinivasan presented a Bharatanatyam recital. The awards ceremony then recognised five recipients for their contributions to music, dance, cultural promotion and youth achievement. The awards were conferred by dignitaries on stage, including Dr. V. Lakshmanan, Mr. Sugumaran, Dr. Param Bhat and the visiting minister, Hon. John Zerucelli, MP for Etobicoke and Minister of State for Labour.
Vid. Madurai Sundar — Sarada Lakshmanan Music Award
Vid. Vasantha Krishnan — Sheila Sugumar Dance Award
Dr. Vijayakumara Kurukkal — Cultural Promoter Award
Pt. Vinayak Hegde — Cultural Promoter Award
Ajanthie Mathanakaran — Dr. Nalini and Prof. Sim Murthy Youth Award
The recognitions brought together a Carnatic vocalist and teacher, a veteran Bharatanatyam educator, two cultural promoters and a flautist and educator. They acknowledged the different forms of service through which classical arts and cultural learning are sustained in the community.
India’s Consul General, Mr. Mahavir Singhvi, joined the Sammelan and addressed the gathering. He spoke about the importance of cultural heritage and the value of such Sammelans in bringing the community together. His participation added a diplomatic perspective to the day’s consideration of cultural continuity.
Featured musical performances
The afternoon programme continued with Souharda, an instrumental ensemble featuring the Gnanendran Sisters: Mayuri on violin, Kirthana on veena and Narmathaa on venu (flute), accompanied by Arangan Thayan on mridangam. The ensemble extended the day’s focus on sharing classical arts through collaborative performance.
Veenantaranga featured Vid. Radhika Bhaskar on veena, Vid. Girish Kale on santoor, Vid. Sriram Suryanarayan on mridangam and Vid. Parag Dhadphale on tabla. The combination of these instruments brought Carnatic and Hindustani musical traditions into a shared concert setting, with a presentation of Kafi ragam and a ragamalika.
The concluding grand vocal jugalbandi featured Pt. Vinayak Hegde in Hindustani vocal music and Vid. Rohin Iyer in Carnatic vocal music. They were accompanied by Sri. Parag Dhadphale on tabla, Vid. Sriram Suryanarayanan on mridangam, Smt. Madhura Londhe on harmonium and Sri. Abhay Kumar on violin. The collaboration brought the two vocal traditions together through a presentation of Jog and Nattai ragam, followed by a bhajan in Kalyani ragam and concluding with nama sankeertanam.
Dr. Swiya Murti, Smt. Lavanya Krishnan and Smt. Rachana Kamath guided the programme as emcees.
Community participation and acknowledgements
Kala Sammelan 2026 provided a shared setting for established practitioners and the next generation to discuss, present and experience Indian classical arts. The Sammelan linked the work of teachers and cultural institutions with the aspirations of younger artists and the support of families.
The organisers express their appreciation to the inaugurating dignitaries, the Consul General, the Hon. Minister, visiting guests, award recipients, presenters, performers, accompanying musicians and participating dance gurus. Thanks are also extended to the many volunteers, supporters, families and audience members whose participation supported the event, and to Sringeri Vidya Bharati Foundation Canada, Bharati Kala Manram and Sangeet Bharathi Indian Classical Music for their joint work in organising the Sammelan.
In his closing vote of thanks, Dr. Param Bhat expressed his appreciation to everyone who contributed, directly and indirectly, to the successful programme.
