Kala Samskriti Lakshanam - Art Characterises Civilisation
Singapore Indian Fine Arts Society is Singapore’s pioneer academy in imparting the knowledge of Indian classical music, dance and visual arts. It is a non profit Indian cultural organisation characterised by a high level of artistic and technical excellence.
Established in 1949 with only 12 members, Singapore Indian Fine Arts Society (SIFAS) functions as a Society of Members where each student belongs to the Institute not just as a learner but also as a contributor to the growth and development of the Society. With a pan Indian curriculum of 15 disciplines, SIFAS Academy reflects the cultural diversity of the rich and ancient Indian heritage.
Its structured curriculum, classes and examinations, along with indepth pedagogy and artistic guidance, have fostered a multitude of homegrown talents that have gone on to provide principal support to arts and culture in Singapore and the region. Through promoting and producing regular programmes on Indian music, dance and visual arts, Sifas has created an awareness and understanding of the Indian heritage in the arts community
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Guest of Honour
Dr Roshni Pillay
Dr Roshni PIllay is a third generation Singaporean and studied Bharatanatyam in Singapore. She started classes with Madhavi Muthu, SIFAS. After her arangetram at the age of thirteen, she came under the tutelage of Guru Neila Sathyalingam. A qualified family physician, Dr Roshni says that it can be quite a gargantuan task to juggle many hats and has to consistently strike that balance as doctor and dancer, wife, mother and now grandmother. She is a huge source of inspiration to youngsters today on managing career, dance and community service. A devotee of Sathya Sai Baba, dance to her is for spiritual realisation and she wants to give back to society through the arts. Dr Roshni also believes that learning is a lifelong journey and is currently pursuing her Masters in Bharatanatyam.
Guru - Sishya
Guru - M.K.Shalini Gokul
The force behind Diya's arangetram. The person who has worked selflessly over the past year to shape Diya to embark on her journey of dance.
Shalini Gokul is a graduate from the esteemed Rukmini Devi College of Fine Arts, Kalakshetra. She holds a Post Graduate Diploma in Bharatanatyam and is also proficient in kathakali and fitness related studies. Shalini joined Sifas in March 2017. She has been a significant contributor in notable productions of Sifas that include Prakruthi Vikruthi and Natya Yatra. Her own narrative and production "Nilamadanthai" was staged at the Tamil Language Festival 2019 and was greatly appreciated for the unique choreography and perspective.
She has a style which reflects her artistic practices , arresting emotions and attention to detail. Her choreography retains the tradition while drawing from the ancient to create something that relates to the contemporary. She is a sought after Guru at Sifas and she has developed and nurtured many students during her tenure here.
Sishya - Diya Subramanian
Diya started learning dance at the age of 5 under the tutelage of Guru Swarna. Having been trained in both music and dance she started developing an interest for the art at a young age. With support and encouragement from her family and Gurus, she slowly blossomed into a dancer. Guru Gayathri and Guru Haritha guided her further in this journey. She came under the guidance of Guru Shalini in 2017 and completed her diploma in Bharatanatyam and was awarded the title of Natya Visharad by Sifas in the year 2020.
Diya has performed in various events in Singapore which includes, the Sifas festival, Academy day celebrations, school events and temple programs. She has done very well in academics and is currently a student in NUS pursuing a an undergraduate degree in Biomedical engineering. She has been able to balance her studies and fine arts and excel in both. In sports, she was part of the school football team. She enjoys watching F1, soccer & tennis and spends her free time sketching, hiking, cycling and listening to k-pop.
Through PADHAM Diya takes her first steps into a long journey with dance and music and hopes to make it part of her life in the years to come with the blessings and guidance of her Gurus, family and friends.
Musicians
"Music is thought made audible. Dance is thought made visible."- Alonzo King
Vocal:Guru P Sushanth
The voice behind the show. A voice known for its versatility, emotion and soulfulness. A voice accompanying many dancers in Singapore .
Hailing from Chennai Guru P Sushanth is an experienced, seasoned vocalist and teacher. He has a Diploma in Classical Music from the Kalakshetra Foundation and a First Class Certificate in Higher Indian Music from the Tamil Nadu Government Music College. His biggest strength is to be able to sing in various styles and languages. He is the voice of SIFAS’s Margam CDs. He is a Guru in sifas since 2010.
Mridangam: Sri Ramanan Tiruchitrampalam
A name synonymous with most of the dance programs in Singapore. An accompanist to more than 300 arangetrams . The soul behind every Arangetram he accompanies.
Sri Ramanan studied under Late Sri R Thangavelu of Kuala Lumpur and later under Guru Karaikudi Mani in Sifas. He has been a past leader for SIOC for about 20 years. He was awarded the Sangeetha Kala Nipuna by the Nrithyalaya Aesthetics Society and Sangeetha Kala Mani by Apsaras Arts.
Violin: Guru Nellai Ravindran
A violinist who is a familiar name in many of the dance arangetrams in Singapore, Guru Nellai Ravindran had his initial training under Harikesanallur Sri V Krishnan and advanced training under Sri S A Subramania Pillai.
He holds a Master's degree from Annamalai University & is a B High graded artist of All India Radio. He has widely travelled and has accompanied many leading artists and has groomed many students.