Nagamani Adigalar Teaching Project

The National Educational Policy (NEP 2020) and National Curriculum Framework (NCF 2023) provide an impetus on arts education. Despite this, gaps remain. Schools with meagre resources catering to children from the lower socio-economic strata are unable to afford the costs to do this. It is in this regard that Sparsha Arts Foundation makes a humble attempt to introduce arts for primary school children of Nagamani Adigalar School, Chennai.

This program brings Bharatanatyam-based creative learning to students in Grades III, IV and V. Initiated in collaboration with the school, the project was kickstarted in October 2024 as an experiment, with the enthusiastic participation from approximately 50 children per session. Given the interest from the school as well as the children, this will now be further extended with a specific syllabus and other activities. This initiative is led by dancer Preethi Bhardhwaj and implemented with the support of a team of other dancer-teachers, with two teachers facilitating each session on a rotating basis. The program aims mainly at providing access to an art form that is largely practised by the elite and affluent. Apart from this, those interested in pursuing Bharatanatyam in the long run will be provided with opportunities. Art appreciation, socio-emotional wellbeing, growth in confidence of children are some of the other obvious gains.