In this issue

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Volume 14
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Singapore Indian Fine Arts Society (SIFAS)
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In this issue
SIFAS Annual Day 2014
Page 03-11
Gems Academy Workshop
Page 12-12
SIFAS Navrathri Festival
Page 13-13
Workshop on Hindustani and Carnatic Vocal Music for NJC Students
Page 16-16
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India-Singapore 50th Anniversary Celebrations
by the Indian High Commission
16th August 2014, NUS Cultural Centre
SIFAS dance students performed a piece, ‘Swagatham’, along with other institution students at the
function organized by The Indian High Commission in Singapore to commemorate 50 years of
international relations between India and Singapore, at the NUS Cultural Centre. The event was well
attended by distinguished invitees from Singapore and dignitaries from India, including the
external affairs minister Sushma Swaraj from India and Singapore Minister of Foreign Affairs K.
Shanmugam.
Janmasthami Celebrations 2014 by Radha Madhav Satsang
16th August 2014, Singapore Khalsa Association
Guru Jyotika Joshi, a Kathak tutor in SIFAS presented a Kathak solo at the Khalsa Association,
Singapore on the occasion of Krishna Janmashtami on 16th August 2014. Guru Jyotika started her
performance with ‘Ashtapadi-Nachat Sudhang’ followed by a Sargam in Raga Bageshri. Her
performance kept the audience spellbound and was highly appreciated by everyone present there.
Jyotika Joshi, Kathak Tutor, SIFAS
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SIFAS Annual Academy Day 2014
7th Sep 2014, Singapore Polytechnic
The Chief Guest Mr. J Y M Pillai conferring the Kala Ratna Award for 2014 to Mr. R Jayachandran,
Singapore's Non resident High Commissioner to Mauritius
Srijan – Annual Academy Day Art Exhibition 2014
Srijan, the Sanskrit word which means creativity, has been selected as the title name for the
academy day art exhibitions. Srijan symbolizes the utmost goal of the SIFAS School of Visual Arts.
Srijan 2014 showcased more than 200 art works by 150 students from age group range of a child to
an adult. Art works collectively had modern arts alongside traditional forms such as Madhubani,
Warli, Tanjore and Kerala Murals depicting Indian Mythological stories. Achievements of the Visual
Arts students such as awards won, participation in external events and competitions etc. were
highlighted though a video screening. The students mesmerised the guest of honour J. Y. Pillai,
Chairman, Council of Presidential Advisors and all other guests who graced the exhibition.
Surender Mishra, Sr. Visual Arts Tutor, SIFAS
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Vibhawari – Annual Academy Day Hindustani Orchestra 2014
To commemorate the Academy Day 2014, SIFAS Hindustani team of all Gurus decided on a theme,
‘Vibhawari’ meaning the bright starry night and their students ably showcased three beautiful
melodies composed in the evening ragas. Performance started with beautiful renditions in Raga
Maru Bihag, and Jog, followed by Tarana in Raga Kalavati. Entire ensemble was a rhythmic, melodic
expression of the emotion of love. Participation of the alumni students, Bharati Murali and Shreya
Gopi, support of Guru Dr. K. Sivaraj on keyboard and special effects by Muthu Rengaswamy made
the orchestra splendid!
Mihir Kundu, Tabla Tutor, SIFAS
Bharata Natyam Performance – Annual Academy Day 2014
The Bharata Natyam dance segment presented during the SIFAS Academy day 2014 was a spectacle
to behold. The first piece involving a number of jathis and intricate thala patterns was entertaining
and enriching at the same time. The semi - classical dance that followed incorporated complex body
movements. Unique choreography by the gurus and the perfect execution of both the varieties by
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the dancers showed the dedication and hard work put in by the gurus. It was indeed a grand feast
for the eyes and mind.
Sanjit Lal, Bharata Natyam Tutor, SIFAS
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Kathak Performance – Annual Academy Day 2014
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Guru Jyotika Joshi choreographed and presented her students in a set of two groups – one that of
junior students and the other that of senior students.
Group of junior students performed on the piece set in Raga Megh Malhar where Megh means cloud
and it is believed that this Raga has a power to bring out the rain! The dance piece showcased the
sheer joy of dancing in the rain through graceful movements replicating raindrops making their
way through the formations of the nature; the gathering of clouds, then gradually mounting peals of
thunder and raindrops finally descending slowly upon the sun parched trees.
Senior students performed on a fast paced Kathak fusion called ‘Vaad Tarang’ which enthralled the
audience. The piece was a trend setter in the choreographic revolution of Kathak dance where the
music had a true essence of classical form beaded with the beats of Tabla, Drums, electric Guitar
along with the Sitar. It reflected the versatility in Kathak.
- Jyotika Joshi, Kathak Tutor, SIFAS
Pancha Kalyani Poomaalai – Annual Academy Day Carnatic Orchestra
2014
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‘Pancha Kalyani Poomalai’, the Carnatic Orchestra was the one to inaugurate the 65th SIFAS
Academy Day 2014. As rightly titled the orchestra had compositions set in five Kalyani-adjunct
Ragas with background music for each composition neatly set for the instrumental rendition. All
Carnatic tutors and about forty five students put in their heart and soul in practice and presentation
very well lead by Guru M. S. Vidya and Guru Tripunithura Sreekanth. Visual display on screen
depicting the details of each composition added colour and wholesomeness to the theme.
Performance set the tune for the overall celebrations and well appreciated by the audience.
M. S. Vidya, Carnatic Vocal tutor, SIFAS
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SPH’s Mid – Autumn Festival
9th and 13th September 2014, Gardens by the Bay
A week long Mid-Autumn Festival was organised by Singapore Press Holdings (SPH) at Gardens By
the Bay. SIFAS gurus were invited to perform on 9th and 13th September 2014. Gurus Nellai
Ravindran on Violin, Susanta Chowdhury on Sitar, Tripunithura Sreekanth on Mridangam and Mihir
Kundu on Tabla presented the ‘Jugalbadi’ style, apt for thirty minutes time given to them on both
the days. Gurus planned to present the pleasant ragas like Charukesi, Keervani and a Bajan to suit
the mood of the celebration. Tough restricted in time, they played every aspect of a concert such as
'raga alapana', 'kalpana swaram' and 'tani avartanam' which was well received by the audience.
Ravindran N, Violin Tutor, SIFAS
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Gems Academy Workshop
19th September 2014, SIFAS
Gurus of Carnatic stream at SIFAS conducted a one day workshop on 19th September at SIFAS for
the students of Gems Academy. Team of Guru B.S.Anand on vocal, Guru Hariharan on violin and
Guru Sreekanth on Mridangam composed the workshop in the form of lecture, demonstration
combined with concert. Compositions chosen were
Sri Gananaatham in Raga Kanakaangi , Aditala by Saint Sri Tyaagaraaja. It is a Krithi on Lord
Ganesha
Sri Saraswathi in Raga Arabhi , Rupaka Tala by Sri Muthuswamy Dikshithar. It is a Krithi on goddess
Saraswathi which was followed by a brief Tani Avartha, percussion solo.
Yadhunandhana - Raga Chandrakouns in Aditala by Sri Parvathi Sutha which is a light devotional
composition on Lord Krishna.
B S Anand, Carnatic Vocal Tutor, SIFAS
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SIFAS Navarathri Festival
25th September – 3rd October 2014, SIFAS
As the Navarathri tradition goes for SIFAS, year 2014 also saw SIFAS’s gurus, students and staff
putting in their best of efforts in celebration. The Kolu (arrangement of dolls) was arranged on first
day by the staff and tutors in a traditional manner. And the Ashtami day pooja was conducted in a
very authentic way by a priest from Sri Perumal Temple.
Performances were organized throughout the nine days of festival. Few local celebrity performers
were invited to perform. At the same time Navarathri Festival provided an opportunity for SIFAS
students to display their learning’s in front of their near and dear ones, blessed by their tutors who
accompanied and guided them.
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SICCI's 90th Anniversary Event
26th September 2014, The Ritz Carlton Hotel
Singapore Indian Chamber of Commerce and Industry (SICCI) celebrated 90 years of service in
Singapore at The Ritz Carlton Hotel. The guest of honour for the event was honourable Prime
Minister of Singapore, Lee Hsien Loong. SIFAS students got an opportunity to usher The Prime
Minister to the lamp lighting and leading him to the stage. There was an ensemble of percussionists
from SIFAS comprising of both tutors and students playing a variety of rhythms which set the tone
for the evening’s events. The ensemble concluded with a fast paced shower of beats.
N R Prashanth, AR, SIFAS
Tribute to Mandolin U Srinivas – Condolence Meeting
7th October 2014, Aurobindo Room, SIFAS
SIFAS had arranged a condolence meeting for Late Asthana Vidwan Sri Mandolin U Srinivas whose
untimely demise left all Carnatic music lovers in pain.
Guru B. S. Anand presented the late artist’s life story in the form of photographs of his
performances across the globe, a video clipping of his performance of famous Sri Thyagaraja
Swamy Krithi in Raga Bindumalini and an interview captured by a TV news channel on the occasion
of Indian Independence Day (Courtesy Dr. Kasinathan)
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Surabhi – Students’ Nite by Students of Guru Sonali Sinha Biswas
11th October 2014, SIFAS
Student review –‘Surabhi – the fragrance’
It was indeed a pleasure to listen to my fellow students, ‘Guru Bandhu and Guru Bhagini,’ during the
wonderful presentation of Hindustani Classical Music Concert, Surabhi! As it was promised, the
concert sprinkled the fragrance of Hindustani Classical Music through different Ragas and Genres. It
was a very well organized, disciplined and systematic presentation.
As the tradition goes, the program started with the offering to the Gods through Shlokas in Raag
Hamsadhwani and Raag Yaman. It was a very good presentation by students of different levels of
learning singing together. Following the shlokas was a Saraswati prayer sung by year one students.
It was a well-coordinated effort and they all sang in one voice. Raag Bihag presented by year 2 and
4 students’ showcased wonderful preparation and presentation of ‘taans’. The Ram Bhajan by the
adult students left the audience with a divine experience to cherish. Raag Madhuwanti presented by
the adult group was another experience of well-practiced taans.
Then was a duet performance of Raag Puriya Dhanashree by Karthik Thiagarajan and Dr. Seshan
Ramaswami. Trina Bannerjee mesmerized the audience with her voice and confidence while she
presented the Bandish ‘Raat ke alasaaye’ in Raag Maru Bihag. Then it was time for another divine
experience with Ram Bhajan, ‘Ram ka gungaan kariye’presented by Sussan De. Raag Bageshree
presented by year 5 and 7 students was wonderful. Aalaap presentation was in sync for all
students in that group. One taan per student gave us the glimpse of the talent of each student.
Icing on the cake was the solo performance by Shruthi who presented Raag Gujari Todi. I enjoyed
her soothing voice and singing style! Raga Yaman presented by Ganesh Anand filled the
atmosphere with peace. The Program ended with the cheerful and happy notes of Vrindgaan in
Raag Basant and Tarana in Rag Bahar.
The Program was very well supported by Guru Chiradip Banergee and students of Guru Mihir
Kundu on Tabla.
Sheetal Tare, Hindustani Vocal Student, SIFAS
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Workshop on Hindustani and Carnatic Vocal Music for NJC Students
13th October 2014, SIFAS
SIFAS held the workshop of Hindustani and Carnatic Classical Vocal Music for the students of
National Junior College (NJC), Singapore. It was a wonderful experience for the students to get to
know about the Indian classical music styles and for the teachers to teach the non-Indian students.
Tutors share their experience with us here.
It was wonderful to see the non-Indian students inquisitive about the Indian music and details of
the art form.
I was told to explain about the structure of khyaal. I chose a Drut Khyal in Raga Bhairav to
demonstrate and explain the structure of style. It was very encouraging to answer the students’
doubts about the style, improvisation in Alap, Bolalap & Taan , and grace notes. I enjoyed explaining
them the application of grace notes like Meend, Gamak, Andolan etc. They were also enthusiastic to
understand the difference in Vilambit and Drut Khyal. To make the session more interactive, I asked
the students to join in singing and it was amazing to see that they were able to sing in proper Sruti!
Guru Chiradip took up the Tala part and demonstrated the structure of Teentaal, Ektaal and Rupak.
I enjoyed being part of the workshop and teaching non-Indian students.
Sonali Sinha Biswas, Hindustani Vocal tutor, SIFAS
I conducted one hour lecture-demonstration on the various aspects of Krithi, the most evolved and
prolific of all compositional forms in Carnatic Music for the students of NJC. The word ‘Krithi’ is
less-known amongst the western music learners and hence the students were introduced to the
topic using Shankarabarana Raga and a comparison was given with the Universal Major Scale that
they were familiar with. Five elements of MUSIC – Morality, Unity/Universality, Spirituality,
Individuality and Creativity were explained using the form Krithi which has all these as innate
characteristics. Select compositions were rendered to show the distinctive structural designs and
inbuilt Laya variations in Krithis. Finally a Krithi in Raga Manoranjani was chosen to demonstrat the
various components of improvisational features. Students enjoyed the session and exhibited
curiosity in understanding various types of Gamakas used in Carnatic Music.
M S Vidya, Carnatic Vocal tutor, SIFAS
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Lecture-Demonstration by Ms Charumathi Ramachandran
17th October 2014, SIFAS
Smt. Charumathi Ramachandran (the senior disciple of Sangeetha Kalanidhi Smt. M. L.
Vasanthakumari) took us to a different world of “Secrets of Lord Krishna” at her soul stirring
concert for SIFAS on the 24th of October 2014.
She started the concert with a Bhajan ‘Hare Krishna’ in the Raagam Mohanam followed by a
composition in Raagam Maalika Virutham. And the feast of music continued with Raagam
Sankarabaranam, ‘Evvade nenu’ a Padam of Kshetragnya, ‘odamu geripe’ in Saranga and ‘Allakallolla’
in the Raagam Nadha Namakriya from Saint Thyagaraja’s epic ‘Nauka Charithram’, ‘Ashtapathi’ of
Saint Jeyadeva in the Raagam Peelu and so on. She invited the audience to join her in singing the
concluding Bhajan which added to the bliss of the concert!
She decorated her performance with the explanatory talks from Shri Krishna Leela, beginning with
Krishna’s birth to his childhood mischiefs, to his teenage traits and his Raas Leela.
Last but not the least, accompaniment of SIFAS gurus, Violin – Nellai Sri Ravindran, Flute – Sri
Sivakumar, Sitar – Sri Susanta Chowdury, Tabla – Sri Chiradip Banerjee and Mridangam – Sri
Srikanth added the essential flavor of instruments to the concert.
Sripriya, SIFAS Student
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SEA Games Recording
24th October 2014
The Southeast Asian Games (also known as the SEA Games), is a biennial multi-sport event
involving participants from the current 11 countries of Southeast Asia and is under regulation of
the Southeast Asian Games Federation with supervision by the International Olympic Committee
(IOC) and the Olympic Council of Asia. Singapore will be hosting the SEA Games in the year 2015
and SIFAS was given the rare and prestigious opportunity to compose the original music for
Bharata Natyam performance. The working team included SIFAS Gurus, Bharata Natyam students
of SIFAS, Ezra from the SEA Games Team, and Dr. Sydney Tan from the music production
department.
Guru Sri Ravindran supported by other gurus of Carnatic Music department of SIFAS composed the
welcome note ‘Varuga ve’ in Raga Gambhhera Natai. Composition of 45 seconds duration is in dual
rhythms of Chaturashra and Tisra Nadais with overlap of vocal and instrumental bits.
Recording was held on 24 October 2014 at Dr. Tan’s studio.
M S Vidya, Carnatic Vocal Tutor, SIFAS
Participation at Deepavali Utsavam
26th October 2014, Gardens by the Bay
It was a pleasant evening on 26th October 2014 in the midst of one of the beautiful garden of the
‘Gardens by the Bay’ with hundreds of people cheering. The participants had gathered for the
Deepavali celebrations. Teachers and students of SIFAS presented a variety program.
Senior Kathak students of SIFAS performed in the Deepavali Utsavam celebrations at the Gardens
by the Bay on 26th October 2014. They performed Durga Stuthi through the item titled ‘Mahishasur
Mardini’ which is a story of goddess Durga and her victory over the demon king Mahishasur. This
aptly suited the ideology Diwali celebration which announces the victory of good over evil. The
dancers were highly appreciated by the audience for their intricate footwork, graceful movements
and swift chakkars. It was indeed a feast to the eyes of the enthusiastic audience.
Jyotika Joshi, Kathak Tutor, SIFAS
Bharata Natyam tutors of SIFAS commenced the performance with a Kriti ‘Shankara Shrigiri’ in
praise of Lord Shiva. It was a mesmerizing performance and testimony to high standards the tutors
have set themselves to as dancers. Then the SIFAS students performed a Kriti Nadamadum
Nadhanadi’. It was followed the Kathak performance and the concluding performance was a folk
dance by our senior Bharata Natyam students called ‘Raas’. This traditional dance form which is
very famous in northern part of India is supposedly performed by Lord Krishna with Radha and
other Sakhis.
Meera Balasubramanian
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Sitar and Tabla Performance at Tanglin Trust School
28th October 2014
Tanglin Trust School, Singapore requested SIFAS for a Sitar and Tabla performance at their school
on 28th October 2014. Audience was mainly the students of age 7-10 and teachers.
We started the performance with a small introduction of both the instruments and a brief history of
Hindustani Music. We played Raga Shuddha Sarang in Medium and Fast tempo in Teen Taal
followed by Jhala. And we ended the performance with Raga Bhairavi Dhun which was on request
from the audience! This interactive concert had a question answer session and we are happy that
we could do justice to their enthusiasm through our answers.
This is the second time we visited the school and we are pleased to perform over there and do hope
to perform there again.
Susanta Chowdhury, Sitar & Hindustani Vocal tutor SIFAS
Swaranjali – Students Nite by Students of Guru Deepa Paliwal
7th November 2014, SIFAS
On 7th of November 2014, the sky was pouring its blessings on the earth in the form of rains. But at
7pm sharp the auspicious lamp was lit by SIFAS VP Shashi Lal Kashyap for ‘Swaranjali’ – offerings to
the divine through musical notes by the students of Guru Deepa Paliwal.
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Students from year one to four performed on the day. Swaranjali began with a Saraswati Vandana
by the first year students. The students then gave soulful renditions of Rag Bhupali, Rag Bihag, Rag
Bhairav, Rag Jaunpuri, Rag Bheempalasi, Rag Bageshree and Rag Desh. The students also performed
the Bhajans of Lord Krishna & Lord Rama and a group performance of a beautiful Tarana.
The SIFAS auditorium was packed with very encouraging audience enjoying the soulful renditions
and all students received thunderous applause for their wonderful performances.
A big thank you goes to the students who gave Tabla accompaniment, Jagannath – Student of Guru
Chiradip Bannerjee and Siddharth, Shibu, Abhinav & Abhishek – all students of Guru Mihir Kundu.
Thanks to all the SIFAS staff who helped with the all technical and Rangoli arrangements.
At the end, Shashi Lal Kashyap spoke words of inspiration for all students and wished Guru Deepa
the very best future since she was to leave the organization after her marriage.
We students take this opportunity to thank Guru Deepa Paliwal for being a patient and dedicated
teacher and helping all students on their musical path. We shall miss her a lot while we continue on
our music journey.
Swaranjali will always be cherished in our heart as one of the best musical evening!
Candy Del, Hindustani Vocal Student, SIFAS
Sangeetha Rasonmesha – A Carnatic Vocal Concert by Vidushi Dr. T.
S. Sathyavathi
8th November 2014, SIFAS Auditorium
Audience at SIFAS had a wonderful evening on 8th November 2014 listening to Vidushi Dr. T. S.
Sathyavathi from Bangalore, Karnataka, very well supported by Vidushi Ashwini Satish on vocal,
and SIFAS gurus, Nellai Ravindran on violin and Tripunithura Sreekanth on Mridangam.
Concert started on the best notes of Sri Ragam- Adi Tala Varnam which was presented in 2 speeds.
This was followed by ‘lekana ninnu’ in Raga Asaaveri composed by Sri Tyagaraja. This presentation
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was rendered with excellent raagaalaapana. Though Asaaveri is a tough Raga to present, it was
sung brilliantly and was elaborated beautifully.
‘Aanandhaamruthaakarshini’ in Raga Amruthavarshini composed by Sri Muthuswamy Dikshithar
was presented with a brief raagaalaapana followed by amazing kalpana swaras in Thrishra Gathi
and was concluded with a very good theermaana in chathurashra. ‘Inthirannodu’ in Raga
Saraswathi which is a very rare composition by Sri Peri Aalwaar was presented very well.
‘Brahmaanandha Mandha| ve manasaa naadhaloludai’ which means music is so great that it gives
soulful happiness, is a famous composition of Saint Thyaagaraja was very well planned and
executed. ‘Bandhunindhiha nodi’, a keerthana on Lord Tirupathi in Raga Madhyamaavaathi
composed by Sri Purandhara Dhaasaru was rendered beautifully. The concert concluded with a
Thillana in Raga Hameer Kalyani.
B. S. Anand, Carnatic Vocal Tutor, SIFAS
SIFAS Deepavali Sangamam 2014
9th November 2014, SIFAS
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Excited after the success of Deepavali Sangamam 2013, we all at SIFAS decided to make this year's
celebrations even more bigger, better and meaningful. And yes, we did it!
Celebrations started with the address by the Guest of Honour, SIFAS Honorary Secretary General
Dr. S. T. Kasinathan who congratulated the Sangamam Committee on organizing the event and
urged more and more parents to join Sangamam. He also promised the extended support in
Sangamam activities.
Then was the time to start the bash with activities like potluck food, sparklers and much
appreciated & awaited excellent concert, Deepavali Utsavam. In addition to these previous years’
successes, new features like Kolam / Rangoli making, Agal Vilakku / painting the clay lamps added
zest to the mood.
‘Express the statement, What I like about SIFAS’ offered an opportunity to all participants to
express their feelings through any art form. It was good to see the participation from children and
adult with same enthusiasm.
Balloon sculpting session was conducted for the children enjoyed very much and soon the
auditorium was full of colourful balloons floating around adding more happiness to the festival
mood.
The SIFAS Sangamam team is very happy with the outcome of the efforts for this year and wishes to
thank the management and staff of SIFAS for their support, the gurus for their wonderful
performances, and parents & members of SIFAS Sangamam for their help and guidance.
The Sangamam team is geared up for even more happening and successful Deepavali Sangamam
2015.
Deepavali Sangamam 2014 Organizing Committee
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Tributes to Lord Krishna organised by SIFAS Alumni
15th and 16th November 2014, SIFAS
Deepavali celebrates with great joy and festivity the triumph of good over evil as Lord Krishna
vanquished the demon Narakasura. Concurrent to Deepavali celebrations, the SIFAS Alumni
organised a series of six concerts in praise of Lord Krishna during the weekend of November 15-16,
2014. While the artistes were blessed to have a supportive audience, the crowd in turn enjoyed
experiencing the Krishnanubhava over the weekend.
Performers included Smt. Mythili Rajaraman, Kumari Aarthi Devarajan, Sri Nishanth Thiagarajan,
Kumari Vaishnavi Vasudevan, and Sri Sharadh Rajaraman.
The concert series culminated with a recital by one of the founding members of the SIFAS Alumni
Orchestra, Sai Vigneshwar VM.
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The SIFAS Alumni will be holding concert series such as this on a regular basis. Keep a look out for
event details and updates on our blog (http://sifasalumni.blogspot.sg/) or on our Facebook page
(https://www.facebook.com/sifasalumni).
SIFAS Alumni, Committee
SIFAS Welcomes the New CEO
SIFAS Welcomes V. Krushna Kumaar, our ex-treasurer and a management Committee member as
the new CEO of SIFAS. Krushna Kumaar joined as the CEO of our Society from Friday the 17th
October 2014.
He is a Chartered Accountant by profession with many years of experience as a CFO for Asia Pacific
in US and European MNC's.
SIFAS Welcomes New Gurus
SIFAS welcomes two new tutors who joined SIFAS in October2014 and looks forward to their
contributions.
Mr P Naveen Kumar – New Violin Tutor
P. Naveen Kumar completed his M. Phil. from the University of Madras. He had his training under
Guru Smt. Poorna Vaidhyanathan (Disciple of Smt. T. Rukmani, and wife of Mridangist Kalaimamani
Sri J. Vaidhyanathan). He is a regular performer in junior concerts during Chennai Music Season. He
has also performed at concerts for Nada Neerajanam, a live programme of SVBC – A TV channel of
Tirumala Tirupati Devasthanam.
Mr Naveen Kumar has also been a music instructor in a private school in Chennai since 2013.
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Ms Nishanthie Jeganathan – New Bharata Natyam Tutor
Nishanthie Jeganathan holds a Post Graduate Diploma in Bharata Natyam. She did her Arangetram
in 2004 under Guru Smt. Suryakala Jeevananthan and has given numerous performances. She was
part of the Kalakshetra Repertory Company during 2009-2010.
She performed during the inaugural function of 36th International Film Festival in Goa, at a dance
festival in China in 2010, at Shringara Festival, ISKCON Bangalore, Ananya Festival 2010, Ministry
of Defence in Mumbai and Kapithavatha temple, Mahashivarathiri 2014.
She has also performed in Shakthi TV, Nethra Channel and for Kavitha Talent Shows’ promotional
music.
In addition to her performances, she was teaching Bharata Natyam at Kalakshetra, Lyceumm
International School Wattala, Shriram Shrushti Colombo, Mayooralaya, Colombo and Cambridge
International School.
Farewell to the Principal Kana Gopal
SIFAS bids farewell to principal, Ms Kana Gopal. The management appreciates her contribution to
SIFAS and wishes her well in her future endeavours. Kana Gopal left SIFAS in Oct 2014.
Farewell to Gurus
SIFAS bids farewell to Gurus Subramanian Hariharan, Violin tutor; Maya Balakrishna
Kurup, Bharatanatyam tutor; and Deepa Paliwal, Hindustani vocal tutor.
SIFAS management appreciates their contribution to SIFAS and wishes them well in their future
endeavours.
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Academy Regulations
Dear SIFAS Members, Parents and Students.
We would like to share with you the below rules and regulations of SIFAS as a refresher since we
receive communications from members / parents / students often on the following. These rules
and regulations are already printed and informed to you through the information booklet.
Monthly Tuition Fees:
A monthly tuition fee is payable based on the number of tuition hours, class type and year of study.
All monthly tuition fees are payable to SIFAS by or before the first 7 days of each month with the
exception of December tuition fees. The December tuition fees are payable by 20th November.
Students who do not pay their monthly tuition fees when due, will be required to pay a $ 5 late
charge.
On-line payment:
Parents who remit the fees through internet banking shall inform SIFAS through email
feespaid@sifas.org with the following information.
Students Name as in record
Year of Study
Parents who wish to remit the fees through internet banking can do so. The bank details are as
below.
DBS A/C 025-901550-3
Branch Code 7171 – 025
E-mail Address Update:
We request parents to check their email id provided to SIFAS at the administration office while they
come to pay their fees / drop their wards. This will help the SIFAS administration to effectively
communicate with the parents in a timely fashion. For more details refer to SIFAS information
booklet 2014-2015.
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Bursary and Scholarship:
SIFAS provides financial assistance to students who are financially challenged. Such students
should be Singapore Citizens and Permanent Residents. This is to ensure that they are not deprived
of access to training in Indian fine arts. A tiered Bursary scheme is available according to the family
income.
We reach out to non-Indians too and for this purpose there is a scholarship.
For more information on bursary and scholarship, please contact SIFAS administration office.
Centralized Theory Class:
SIFAS conducts centralized theory classes for Year 5 onwards since August 2014. The
communication regarding the same has been sent to all the parents through email and the same is
also placed on the SIFAS notice boards. It is mandatory to secure minimum 75% attendance in the
centralized theory class to be eligible to take up the annual examination.
Singapore Indian Fine Arts Society – Est. 1949
2A Starlight Road, Singapore 217755 T: 6299 5929 F: 6295 1238
Editorial Team: Mr. A. Sachithanandan - Vice President Publicity, SIFAS; Mr. P. Somasekaran - Vice
President - Academy, SIFAS; V Krushna Kumaar; Dr. Seshan Ramaswami; Sheetal Tare;
Shivalingam Vanaraj JP
Email: admin@sifas.org, Website: www.sifas.org
Photo Credits: SIFAS Secretariat and SIFAS Volunteers
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