Come September and every student of Guru Rajee knows she has to do her best, for the coming Puja. On Wednesday, 12th October, 2005, the Vidyaramba Puja was held at the SIES School Hall. The festive air was marked by a special excitement - the knowledge that this year, the students will be performing South Indian folk dances, in keeping with Rural Rhythms, the project of the year.

Nritya Geethanjali Vidyaramba Puja - Slideshow

Rural Rhythms comprises book and audio CDs and cassettes. This was released by Shri S. Seshadri, founder-member and former secretary of Shanmukhananda Fine Arts & Sangeetha Sabha, Mumbai. The first copy was received by Smt. Jayashree Nair, Bharatanatyam dance guru.

After a hectic schedule during the summer months, when Guru Rajee conducted the Rural Rhythms workshops, she decided to change the usual repertoire for the Puja. She presented dances from the workshop, mostly kummi and kolattam, much to the delight of the audience, who thoroughly enjoyed the programme. Also, the students could comprehend better the different items, from a wider view-point and get a better understanding of the various movements of folk. Subsequent folk presentations on stage during the year end became easier, for having performed already.

There was a good sale of the various CDs, Cassettes and books of Guruji. Some senior students, settled outside India, like Priya Ramnath were fortunate to attend the event, being in Mumbai during that period. Some had their parents pick up the different learning aids; Kesari in Muscat was able to add to her collection through her mother, Sabita Sadashiv, who also plays the violin for most Nritya Geethanjali programmes. So also Mrudula Naveen from California, who continues to practice and stay in touch with Bharatanatyam.

As Guruji enters her 75th year in 2006, her students hope and pray that she will continue to teach and guide us; and enable us to celebrate her platinum jubilee in a befitting manner.

- Jaishree Rao