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The Bhavan Quarterly April - June 2026

Step inside and discover the beauty of art & culture

SUDHA MURTY

SUPPORT THE FUTURE OF INDIAN ARTS The Bhavan is a centre for Indian arts, offering 23 courses to over 900 students weekly. Your donation will help sustain and promote Indian culture in the UK. A donation of £10,000 can commission a production or major events, sponsor 20 scholarships for low-income students, or fund part of a tutor’s salary. A donation of £5,000 can purchase musical instruments or sponsor 10 scholarships. With £2,500, you can host two summer school teachers for a month. £1,500 will cover hosting one teacher for a month. To find out more, email meera@bhavan.net or call 020 7381 3086/4608, or visit www.bhavan.net/giving

A Tribute to the Art of Dance: World Dance Day 2026

World Dance Day 2026 participants

At The Bhavan, we proudly celebrated World Dance Day on 25 April 2026, celebrating 14 group performances by dance schools and ensembles from across the UK. The event was a houseful success. The event was curated and conceptualised by Parvati Nair and Ritesh Shetty with support from all The Bhavan staff specially from Shanti Venkatesh and Bihari Khamar. An open call invited group performances in Classical, Contemporary, Modern, Fusion, and Folk styles, rooted in Indian classical traditions. With an overwhelming response of 52 applicants the entries explored a range of mythological and socially relevant themes. The programme featured diverse and thoughtprovoking choreographies, highlighting both traditional and contemporary interpretations. The event brought together performers aged 8 and above, including both first-time participants and those previously associated with The Bhavan.

The participating groups included Tooting Bal Sanskar, Pooja’s Folk Mandali, Dance Dreamers, Team Swarangi, Sai Mayur Bharatanatyam Dance School, Aangan Beat in association with Udichi, Indradhanush Kids Academy, Team Spashtam, Team Nrtyakshetra, Sanskruti Cambridge, Blue Aura Ensemble, Attami School of Dance, Team Kalaarpan, and Navya School of Dance. We are grateful to all the artists, teachers, and the audience for their tremendous support. We also extend our thanks to our caterers, Nilesh and team, as well as Mrs Pratibha and Shyam, for providing snacks. We sincerely appreciate The Bhavan’s technical support team - Mr Shankar, Sivahami, and Shanaka for their excellent lighting and sound. We also thank Darshana for videography and Mr Bhupendra Jethwa for photography. The event received an enthusiastic response from audiences and performers alike, reflecting on our continued commitment to promoting dance and cultural exchange.

Re-Release of Tides of Time authored by Smt. Sudha Murty

H.E. Kumaram Periaswamy, Sri Subhanu Saxena, Smt Sudha Murty, Dr MN Nandakumara MBE

The Bhavan hosted the Re-Release Ceremony of Tides of Time: Bharat’s History Through Murals in Parliament, the 51st book by acclaimed author and Padma Bhushan Awardee Smt. Sudha Murty, Member of Parliament, Rajya Sabha, India on Friday, 12 June 2026. The evening began with a prayer led by Dr M. N. Nandakumara MBE, Executive Director of The Bhavan London, followed by opening remarks from Sri Subhanu Saxena, Chairman of The Bhavan London. The book was then officially rereleased in London by His Excellency Mr Kumaran Periasamy, High Commissioner of India to the United Kingdom.

Mr. Subhanu Saxena, Smt. Sudha Murty & H.E. Mr. Kumaran Periasamy

In his address, the High Commissioner highlighted Smt. Sudha Murty’s efforts to make the history and significance of the Parliament murals accessible to a wider audience. Sudhaji then engaged the audience with a talk and interactive Q&A. The Bhavan remains deeply grateful to Sudhaji and her family for their generous support over the past two decades. The evening concluded with a dinner reception for the attendees. Smt.Sudha Murty delivering a talk on the book

All the World is Green: Rethinking Food Systems

Screening of Video note by Mr Lal Chellaram, CEO Chellaram Foundation addressing the audience

On 31 May, The Bhavan screened the documentary All the World is Green, an initiative of the Chellaram Foundation. The documentary was co-produced by Chellaram Foundation and Pinch Media. The evening began with a prayer led by Dr M. N. Nandakumara MBE, Executive Director of The Bhavan London, followed by opening remarks from Mr Murali Ramdoss, Director of Chellaram UK, and Mr Mirko Pincelli, Director of the documentary. Mr Lal Chellaram, Founder of the Chellaram Foundation, also addressed the audience through a special video message.

L to R - Mr Ravi Gandhi, Mr Murali Ramdoss, Mr Iqbal Dharmsi, Dr. MN Nandakumara MBE

The screening sparked thoughtful discussions on the environmental, ethical, and public health impacts of modern food systems. Exploring themes of climate change, industrial farming, and consumer awareness, the documentary encouraged audiences to reflect on sustainability and the importance of making more conscious choices. The evening concluded with closing remarks from Mr Ravi Gandhi, CEO of Perland Properties Ltd and Dr M. N. Nandakumara MBE, Executive Director of The Bhavan London.

Mr Murali Ramdoss, Director, Chellaram UK addrrsssing the audience

Marking Milestones

Bharatanatyam Recital by Mavin Khoo

The Bhavan, in collaboration with Mavin Khoo, presented two memorable evenings of Indian classical arts. On 30 April, Mavin Khoo celebrated his 50th birthday with a milestone Bharatanatyam recital, presenting a mesmerising performance that beautifully blended elements of the traditional Margam with reflections from his own artistic journey. He was joined by his dear friend and long-time collaborator Kalaimamani O.S. Arun, whose musical accompaniment brought depth and vibrancy to the evening.

Mavin Khoo with the Musical accompaniment led by O.S.Arun

On 1 May, Kalaimamani O.S. Arun presented a captivating Carnatic vocal concert, accompanied by Balu Raghuraman on violin and M. Balachandar on mridangam. Throughout the evening, he performed a beautiful selection of Carnatic compositions, bhajans, and devotional songs in several languages. The audience was enthralled by Sri Arun's artistry, versatility, and dedication, making it a truly memorable celebration of Indian classical music.

Kalaimamani O.S. Arun in concert accompanied on Violin by Balu Raguraman and Mridangam by M. Balachandar

Community talks at The Bhavan

L to R - Janaki Nandakumara, Dr. M.N. Nandakumara M.B.E, Dr. Prabir Mitra & Sanjukta Mitra

Shiranee Murugason delivering the talk

Dr. Prabir and Sanjukta Mitra delivering the talk

Shiranee Murugason and attendees

As part of our ongoing community initiatives, we have been hosting a series of free talks aimed at sharing knowledge and encouraging dialogue across a range of subjects. On Saturday, 6 June, Dr Prabir Mitra and Mrs Sanjukta Mitra spoke about their remarkable 28,200 km overland expedition from England to India in a talk titled Odyssean Journey. Travelling through 21 countries over 111 days, they retraced historic Silk Road routes, sharing captivating stories, photographs, and reflections on culture, history, endurance, and global health. Their inspiring journey celebrated the enduring connections between East and West, leaving the audience with a renewed appreciation for travel, resilience, and cultural exchange.

On Saturday, 13 June, The Bhavan hosted an insightful talk, Ayurveda's Approach to Managing Mental Health, Stress & Insomnia, presented by Shiranee Murugason ahead of the upcoming exam season. During the session, Shiranee explored how Ayurvedic principles and practices can support mental wellbeing, helping participants better manage stress, insomnia, and emotional balance. She also shared practical guidance on the role of diet, yoga, and daily routines in restoring harmony between the mind and body. The talk concluded with interactive demonstrations, giving participants the opportunity to experience simple Ayurvedic techniques that they could incorporate into their daily lives.

Celebrating the art of Yoga

International Yoga Day session conducted by Meghna Lokabhirama Nandini Raju at The Bhavan

On Sunday, 21 June, The Bhavan hosted a special yoga session in celebration of International Yoga Day. The session was conducted by Meghna Lokabhirama Nandini Raju, a Bharatanatyam dancer and yoga practitioner. Meghna guided participants through each asana, encouraging mindful movement, balance, and a gentle connection between the body and mind. The session emphasised the true essence of yoga through meditation, breathwork, and the chanting of mantras.

Meghna conducting yoga session

Participants were encouraged to centre themselves, ground their thoughts, calm the mind, relax the body, and reconnect with their inner selves, making for a peaceful and rejuvenating start to the day. The Bhavan hosted another session on Tuesday, 23 June, alongside the weekly yoga classes led by Elaine Morrison. The session welcomed new participants, who joined our regular attendees. It was wonderful to see the community practice and celebrate the art of yoga.

Participants doing yoga asanas

IMAGE GALLLERY World Dance Day

Team Tooting Bal Sanskar

Team Pooja’s Folk Mandali

Team Dance Dreamers

Team Swarangi

Team Sai Mayur Bharatanatyam Dance School

Team Aangan Beat in association with Udichi

Team Indradhanush Kids Academy

Team Spashtam

Karnatic Violin Students

Team Navya School of Dance

Team Nrtyakshetra

Team Attami School of Dance

Team Blue Aura Ensemble

Team Kalaarpan

Shanti Venkatesh giving the Vote of Thanks

Dr. M.N. Nandakumara M.B.E. addressing the audience

IMAGE GALLLERY

Re-Release Ceremony of Tides of Time

Nandaji chanting prayer and welcoming the gathering

Q& A session with the audience

Mr Subhanu Saxena addressing the audience

Re-Release of tides of Time

H.E. Mr Kumaran Periasamy a addressing the audience

The Rt. Hon Mr Rishi Sunak M.P, Mr. Subhanu Saxena, Dr MN Nandakumar and Mr. Vinod Thakrar

Ritu Kumaran and H.E. Kumaran Periasamy, Sri Narayana Murthy and Smt. Sudha Murty

Dr MN Nandakumara MBE, Mr Girish Sanger, Smt. Sudha Murty, H.E. Kumaran Periaswamy, Sri Subhanu Saxena, Sri Narayana Murthy and Sri Vinod Thakrar

OPEN DAY 12 SEPTEMBER 2026 10.30AM - 5PM Meet the teachers | Attend taster classes Register for the new year CLASSICAL DANCE

INSTRUMENTS

BHARATANATYAM KATHAK ODISSI KUCHIPUDI

SITAR TABLA MRIDANGAM VEENA KARNATIC VIOLIN FLUTE NATTUVANGAM

CLASSICAL MUSIC KARNATIC VOCAL HINDUSTANI VOCAL BENGALI MUSIC

OTHER COURSES

IYENGAR YOGA ART & ARCHEOLOGY

LANGUAGE HINDI SANSKRIT BENGALI

Bharatiya Vidya Bhavan Ltd | Registered Charity No. 312879 | Company Registration No. 1090630

SUDHA MURTY