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| Comments posted at change.org in response to the Petition to gather support to Reinstate Leela Samson as the Director of Kalakshetra May 18, 2012  Sophie Duchamps May 8, 2012 Age is not a reason to make somebody retire, especially in art. I have a great admiration for Ms. Samson. Nirmala Ravindran May 8, 2012 Dance and culture will lose if Leela Samson goes. A person of tremendous integrity, she has done for Kalakshetra what no one else could in the last few decades - turned it around. If anyone can fight bureaucracy and red tape and succeed... it's her. Kalakshetra, dance and culture in India needs Leela Samson more than she needs any of the above! Raman Kumari Gullapudi May 8, 2012 She should continue her service!!! Padmaja Anant May 8, 2012 She has done much to bring culture out of the closet and has organised festivals that promote Indian and international art forms. As a result, people are once again connecting the name of Kalakshetra with culture in general and not only South Indian dance and music forms. Fantastic work done so far! Venkatramana Rao May 8, 2012 Reinstate her....! She brought grace, dignity, results, an active campus, and good administration. We have old goats as PMs and FMs and Presidents, so why not Leela at 60 who is still a performer. Thevasaina Vellakannu May 8, 2012 She should continue. Geetha Shankaran - Lam May 8, 2012 Is there anyone of her stature more suitable to fit the shoes and do what’s necessary and more for the institution from here, besides the age? I love her demeanour and purpose, and as long as Akka is fit to contribute, the institution should support the vision and courage of this wonderful artiste! Bipasha Guptaroy May 8, 2012 Because there is no one who can do this job better. Ayesha De Costa May 8, 2012 We need more people like Leela to head our institutions - people with vision, integrity and a love for the institutions they work with. As a dancer myself, I really regret the situation that has arisen at Kalakshetra, and hope the Gov has the nerve to make a bold decision to reinstate Leela. Dale DeLetis May 8, 2012 I am signing because Ms. Samson taught a good friend who is herself a beautiful dancer. May the next generation of Indian women have the benefit of this wonderful teacher. Gayatri Balagurunathan May 8, 2012 Leela akka is a non-biased person....she truly deserves to be the Director of Kalakshetra....she has widened the portals to the entire world... Aarti Ahlawat May 8, 2012 Simply because our Govt. has gone nuts and we will not let this matter die down until and unless Leela Samson GETS REINSTATED as the Director of Kalakshetra. Mithun Shyam May 8, 2012 She is the best leader. Sivadasan Menon May 8, 2012 She has done yeoman service to the institution and her continued presence is vital. Akhila Sundarram May 8, 2012 Honest people are universally edged out by people with vested interest. Let us strengthen the hands of principled people. Prachi Dalal May 8, 2012 It is unfortunate that a visionary like Leela Samson who infused new life into a landmark institution like Kalakshetra is being a victim of petty-minded politics and power play. Instead of being grateful to her for dedicating her energy, time and efforts to the cause of promoting and nurturing a dance form and an institution so that it evolves to keep pace with the times, the forces causing her resignation are proving that we do not know how to value and appreciate hard work, dedication and sincerity. Sunitha Madhu May 8, 2012 She is India's most dynamic and technically brilliant dancer, an outstanding representative of Kalakshetra. Subha Nair May 8, 2012 Age has nothing to do with the zeal to promote Indian culture and dance. She has been doing a wonderful job for the institution as well as for dance. Consider the contribution and not the age. A dancer never ages. He/she is as young as the roles he/she performs. Let the Ministry first ask their over-60 ministers to retire!!!! Shampa Das May 8, 2012 Is there anyone else as capable as her to lead this institution? I don’t think so. Shakti Maira May 8, 2012 We really must develop a culture of supporting and enabling people who are dedicated, have integrity and bring artistic depth to our cultural institutions - such as Leela Samson. Nityanand Jayaraman May 8, 2012 Honest, able administrators, especially those with a passion for their brief, are next to impossible to come by. Leela Samson is one such person, and people like this should not be allowed to retire so early. And as far as age is concerned, she is sure to out-dance most of the bureaucrats half her age in the Ministry of Culture. Bindu S Shankar May 8, 2012 Leela Samson is dedicated to the principles of Kalakshetra and to Bharatanatyam dance. After the founder Rukmini Arundale, it is Leela Samson who has been a bridge between Kalakshetra and the art world in Chennai, India and abroad. She has placed the welfare of the institution and the dance form as the primary goal, seldom trying to promote herself. As an alumni of Kalakshetra who knew Leela Samson, I strongly support her reinstatement as Director of Kalakshetra. Anusha Maharaj May 8, 2012 I think it's outrageous and absurd. She is exceptional and has and will continue to do a fantastic job far better than a "YOUNG" person would. Shankar Venkateswaran May 7, 2012 I think retirement age of 60 is silly but we cannot be emotional about this. A rule must be respected and exceptions must be made keeping the long term in mind - can you imagine the consequences of getting the wrong person who doesn’t go? So, if this rule exists, I am signing this petition to seek an amendment of the rule which empowers the board to use its discretion to extend the term of a deserving individual beyond a retirement age, starting with Leela Samson. Anitha Jones May 7, 2012 After Leela Akka came to Kalakshetra, it had good changes and all students get chance to dance on stage. Earlier, it was not like that, especially dark girls never get chance at all, even if they dance very well.... now I think all students are happy... and she knows each student’s mind and she helps the students comfortably.... and we can talk anything to her frankly. Lalita Ramdas May 7, 2012 I am signing because I believe that Leela Samson is a person of extraordinary talent, integrity and commitment, who has given her life to dance and to preserving and enhancing the best in Indian art, culture and classical traditions while exploring new ideas and creativity. Women like her are rare and it is a great pity that she appears to be paying the price for her uncompromising positions on quality and vision. I have known Leela since she was a little girl and watched with admiration as her incredibly forward thinking family sent her off to Kalakshetra at an impressionable age. We have seen her evolve as an artiste, a human being, and can say with no hesitation that she epitomises the best in Indian culture. If our system is willing to sacrifice all of this to pander to petty bureaucratic egos, well, God help us all. Sehjo Singh May 7, 2012 It is clear to me that Kalakshetra needs her far more than she needs it. We owe it to Kalakshetra to make our best efforts to get her back and then also to persuade her to continue despite this very unpleasant and unnecessary development. Deepa Prakash May 7, 2012 Leela Akka is the source of inspiration and strength of Kalakshetra. She has done so much, yet a lot is left to be done. For that, she has to be brought back as our Director. Asha Amin May 7, 2012 No one should be forced to retire. Sajilal Narayanan May 7, 2012 Leela akka is a wonderful person to continue as Kalakshetra director. If the govt is not ready to support her, it is a big loss for Kalakshetra ...I kindly request the govt to please take action for Ms. Leela Samson’s return to Kalakshetra as director. The institute needs someone like Leela Samson. Arun K V May 7, 2012 Becoz I knew her well, we need her. No one can be like her. Nenmini Neelakandhan Bhavathrathan May 7, 2012 Age isn't a criterion for efficiency and exuberance. Sukumaran Velusamy May 7, 2012 She is deserving. Maria Taranina May 7, 2012 I am now a student of Kalakshetra Foundation. I am doing my 3rd year diploma in dance. I know Ms. Leela Samson as she is my director. She is working so hard to save the tradition of Rukmini Devi and in my opinion she is the best director for Kalakshetra for many, many years. I want her to come back. Padmanabhan Krishna May 7, 2012 Administrative ability can be bought in the market but not the talent, integrity and vision of Leela Samson. As an old theosophist and a nephew of Rukmini Devi, I strongly support her reinstatement. Ajit Eapen May 7, 2012 Reinstate Leela Samson as the Director of Kalakshetra. Sumitra M Gautama May 7, 2012 Leela Akka has transformed Kalakshetra. It would be unethical, and a crying shame for the nation if she is asked to leave. Rukmini Devi herself did not believe in a retirement age for artistes. And she is such a fine human being. Noopoor Akruwala May 7, 2012 I've been dancing all my life and if someone ever forcibly took my passion away, I would be devastated. My guru is over 70 years old and she still dances with so much talent, grace and heart; she is my inspiration and age should not be a concern in the art of dance. Ms. Samson reminds me of my guru. Dance is her life and no one has the right to declare otherwise. Thaya Bala May 6, 2012 I was impressed by her dedication. Above all, I am amazed to learn how many students are touched by her. Thiruvengadathan Mohan May 6, 2012 It's hard to find people like Ms. Samson who seem to have found a way to balance their creativity with the demands of an administrator. An archaic provision that fixes an age limit for creativity has no place in the statute book. Keshava Dasappa May 6, 2012 I came to know Ms. Leela Samson about 25 years ago, at Bharathiya Kalakendra in Delhi. I was very much impressed by her personality. The politics in Kalakshetra was hidden for decades.... I believe Ms. Samson is the right person to lead this great art center of India. Viswanath Parasuram May 6, 2012 In her brief tenure, Leela Samson has restored the diminishing stature and glory of Kalakshetra. 60 years old? So what? Let's see how many 50 year olds can perform on the dance stage for 2 hours like she still does. Sai Archana Pararasasingam May 6, 2012 Through Akka's example, students were exposed and taught to respect all fields of art. Whether dancer or worker, musician or visual artist, researcher or cook, all were treated with equal importance. It's difficult to find another role model that will comes even close. There is still so much to learn from her.... Govind Krishnan May 6, 2012 She is doing a great job as Director. She has opened up Kalakshetra and made it accessible to interested students. Thanks to her, my daughter is learning part-time dance at Kalakshetra 3 days a week, though she studies at another school in Chennai. This was from July/August 2006 and this facility was not available earlier. She is selfless, dedicated, honest and is upholding the Founder's ideals. She also organizes Hindustani music concerts and lec-dems during the December season. We were also exposed to Kathakali and other dance forms. Jay Krishnan May 6, 2012 I support her efforts to give more prominence to young blood in Kalakshetra and I admire her courage in fighting the land grabbers who are after some of its prime property. Jaideep Vivekanand May 6, 2012 Leela Samson has revitalized Kalakshetra and has put it on a path to global excellence. Kalakshetra still needs her visionary leadership to achieve what she has set in motion. Rama Devi Moturi May 6, 2012 I love dance, learnt it for few years. As far as I know, Leela ma’am should be allowed to continue. When these corrupt politicians don’t have any age bar, why shouldn’t she continue? Kalpana Bandiwdekar May 6, 2012 Very shocking to hear. Leela Samson is a very competent and visionary director. An institute like Kalakshetra was fortunate to have her as director. Dr. Shreedharan at Delhi metro got extension three times and it was a boon for Delhi metro to what it is today. Srinivasan Raghavan May 6, 2012 What were the directors, who now shout at the top of their voices, doing? They should be sacked first. Give Leela a good team to manage under Mr. N Murali who just retired from The Hindu which he managed efficiently for the past 30 years. Ashok Jaitly May 6, 2012 She is committed, dedicated and the best for the job. Nandan Balsavar May 6, 2012 Reinstate Leela Samson who has contributed immensely to Kalakshetra. Radha Parthasarathy May 6, 2012 Since she has been so ably managing the activities in Kalakshetra these last few years, she should be reinstated so she can continue her good work. Institutions which are running well should be encouraged to continue. We need persons of her caliber to head organizations. It is not too late to retract a mistake and let her take over the helm again. Varsha Dhara Rojas May 6, 2012 She represents India´s culture. Sridhar Mahadevan May 6, 2012 Indian art world has a constant supply of a set of people, old and young, who have no other job but to criticize the doers like Ms. Leela Samson citing some vague meaningless rules invented by them. If these worthless insecure idiots who act as the impediments of meaningful change are shown the door, then more energy can be spent in doing than defending and politicking. I think the current group of idiots who have been troubling Ms. Leela Samson has an indirect backing of a set of right wing lunatic morons who have no job but to look out for any prominent non-Hindu personality at the forefront of Indian Art and go about finding devious and utterly despicable ways to bash him or her. If only we could get these idiots to get out of the way, it would do a great deal of good to the progress of art in India! Anand Patwardhan May 6, 2012 Leela Samson is a courageous, incorruptible and idealistic human being and an icon of the best aspects of Indian culture and we cannot allow her to become a victim of any narrow minded political cabal that feels threatened by the light she throws. Tatiana Galibus May 6, 2012 Akka is an amazing person… as former student of Kalakshetra, am not able to see anyone else as director. Shrinivasan Viswanathan May 6, 2012 It would be stupid to lose a person like Leela on technical grounds. She needs to be reinstated with retrospective effect. Akshay Das May 6, 2012 Our glorious culture is the handiwork of seers and learned. Alas, we are losing it so fast. We must support people who are fighting to save it. Ms. Leela Samson has been spearheading an organisation which symbolises our culture. And when Ms. Dia supports a cause, she is always right. So it is the right thing to support Ms. Leela Samson and also encourage Dia ji. G Sangeetha Sangeethagukan May 6, 2012 She is the only person who can bring different art forms to Kalakshetra. She has just started fine tuning the vision of Rukmini Devi, with a lot of dedication and hard work. I want her to continue her journey in Kalakshetra. Lekshmy Rajeev May 6, 2012 I know her. Sriram Natarajan May 6, 2012 I had the opportunity of meeting Leela Samson in the premises a couple of years back. It was only because of her that the doors of Kalakshetra opened out to other artists and that is precisely why I am signing this petition... Surendra Lawrence May 6, 2012 I am truly shocked! After bringing in someone like Leela Samson as Director, to let her go so easily speaks volumes about the mafias who would like to come back. Chinmaya Arjun Raja May 6, 2012 I have been seeing her work in Kalakshetra and the changes she brought into this great institution. I feel she is the only one who can continue this work at this moment. She has to be given a few more years to head the institution to see the fruits of her vision as well as Rukmini Devi's vision! Yulia Svetlichnaya May 6, 2012 I'm a student of Kalakshetra and I admire Leela Samson a lot. She is not only a delightful dancer but also a whole-hearted person. I will miss her as director! Raghavachari Soundararajan May 6, 2012 She has to continue the Director of Kalakshetra in my personal opinion. Kritisha Jain May 6, 2012 Because Leela Samson has provided many a people, the platform and hence the recognition they deserve. Emy Blesio May 5, 2012 She is a teacher and director who follows her students with passion and skill. Kunal Sharma May 5, 2012 We should not see the age of the person at least in the art field. But we have to respect her experience and learn from it. Even today's generation needs guidance from such an artiste. We also just can’t ignore the achievements Kalakshetra has touched after the joining of Leela Akka. It will be the saddest thing if Kalakshetra will not have Leela Akka. LEELA AKKA HER SELF IS AN INSTITUTION. (I am not an artiste but am an art lover and it is so painful for us to know that Akka is no more with Kalakshetra). Ambita Verdi May 5, 2012 I am a dancer and believe that she has done wonders for Kaklakshetra. Please let her continue. Samyuktha Sharath P May 5, 2012 Leela akka is a stalwart and a true ambassador in the field of fine arts. It is most unfortunate to see her leave an institution that she held in such high regard. Sabitha Chandran May 5, 2012 I have found wonderful changes happening in Kalakshetra after Ms. Leela Samson has taken over the charge. And I wish for Kalakshetra to flourish under her leadership for some more time. Neelkanth Chhaya May 5, 2012 Leela Samson has brought tremendous energy and innovative thought to strengthening the role of culture in India and has revitalized Kalakshetra. T Saraswathy May 5, 2012 When India could afford to have an old man travelling about in a wheelchair as a Chief Minister, why not Leela Akka? I joined Kalakshetra as a student in 2006 and left after my 2nd year but today when I visit the same college, I'm amazed with the many changes that have come about. She deserves to serve another 5 years more. I'm sure she has made a difference in many lives!! Kalakshetra deserves Leela Samson. Devika Jayakumari May 5, 2012 It is absurd to apply rules for the retirement of desk-workers to artistes! Leela has brought some life back to Kalakshetra and she deserves to be respected, not insulted! Aruna Sairam May 5, 2012 Ms. Leela Samson has revived Kalakshetra to its glory. She should continue her monumental contribution to the Arts through Kalakshetra. Hema Singh May 5, 2012 I have always felt that Leelaji is a graceful, talented dancer with a commitment to the dance form. More power to the likes of her! Padmini CK May 5, 2012 Under the directorship of Ms. Leela Samson, what has happened to Kalakshetra and the whole dancer community there is amazing!!! She should be given continuous directorship for her lifetime. Aruna Mohanty May 5, 2012 Leela Samson is truly timeless, ageless and priceless treasure trove of India's culture. People who are passionate about Kalakshetra should not let her go . Soundarya Ramdas May 5, 2012 Leela Akka has brought in a lot of positive and significant changes to our institute! She has been a pillar of support and strength for all the students and has helped many in finding jobs and a good career for everybody who have passed out of the school. She is in every way qualified to be the director of the school as she is the direct disciple of our founder Rukmini Devi and has imbibed all her qualities and is striving hard to impart the same values and traditions to the future generation. She is one of the best dancers the country has and is still going strong at 60+ giving tough competition to young dancers! We love you, Akka… Please come back! We need your guidance and support! Jayakrishnan KM May 5, 2012 I am a teacher from Kalakshetra. There are no words to explain about her... we need our Akka. Without her, I can’t even imagine next academic year. Vijay Kumar May 5, 2012 She has to be given her post again in Kalakshetra. Kalpana Vasavan May 5, 2012 To support the Bharatanatyam exponent Leela Samson… Kavita Anand May 5, 2012 My students go to Kalakshetra every year and we have experienced how she has added value to the school. She is our inspiration. Prathima Vasan May 5, 2012 Simply cos, she is… Natarajan Jagadisan May 5, 2012 There cannot be a better person with her to devotion to arts, knowledge, teaching skills and enthusiasm to share it 100% with others. Kelly Ling May 4, 2012 Ms. Samson is one of the most important Directors and master teachers in the world in the field of classical dance. She is an inspiration to people within and outside of India, and we look to her for guidance, expertise, wisdom and artistry. If Kalakshetra loses her, they've done a terrible injustice to the world of Bharatanatyam classical dance and dancers throughout the globe. Ou Zhang May 4, 2012 As a Chinese Correspondent 10 years ago in India, I greatly admired Ms. Leela Samson's performance and I believe she has been respected as a national treasure. She is not a politician, not an official. Let her pass her excellent skills to next generation as the Director of Kalakshetra. Irina Iskorostenskaia May 4, 2012 Today, there is only one person who can lead Kalakshetra. And this person is Leela Samson. I pray to God that she will remain the director of such a great institution. Charanya Gurusathya May 4, 2012 Art and artists have no age bar... Leela Samson is a visionary. Her contribution toward the field of art cannot be curtailed to just 60 years. Art needs her and so do all the artistes. Meenakshi Chetty Bundhoo May 4, 2012 Being a student of Kalakshetra I have witnessed how she is devoted to this institution. I can’t imagine Kalakshetra without her. She is like a mother to all of us and today our mother is being taken away from us! She has so much to share that perhaps very few people would come to realise this unless one is in field of cultural performing arts! Lakshmi Krishnamurthy May 4, 2012 For me, she is Rukmini Devi’s reincarnation to suit the modern dictum with her DEDICATION to all things traditional, DIRECTION in creating the awareness of the interrelationship between Art, Architecture and Religion and the Fine Arts by making the students do a group project after visits and a dissertation in the final year. DETERMINATION to fulfill Athai's unfulfilled dreams DOCUMENTED like the Orissan sculptures for the Kuthambalam for instance. DOCUMENTATION of all things essential, as she has not only been a student of Athai, but exposed and experienced in the needs of the same. And the list is endless… Sunil Mehra May 4, 2012 Protesting the reign of pettifogging clerks over domains they don't know the next thing about. And pressing for the reinstatement of a person with unimpeachable integrity who was doing what nobody else could have done for Kalakshetra because she had/ has the vision and the commitment and the wisdom to do so. Ahsan Bari May 4, 2012 People like Leela Samson are hope for the nation and we need them to work more and more so we can avail the best of them. All of us must keep supporting Leela-ji as her resignation will have long lasting effect on Kalakshetra. Shadiyah Dances May 4, 2012 Leela Samson is a rare visionary and woman of incredible talents and integrity. She has devoted her life to Kalakshetra and deserves our utmost respect for her dedication to celebrating the arts of India with the world. I have had the honor to study under Ms. Samson here in the US and it changed my life for the better. Age should never be a factor for intelligence, leadership, talent or nurturing the artistes of tomorrow. I implore all the institutions to reconsider their actions and correct this sad turn of events to reinstate Ms. Samson as Director of Kalakshetra immediately. Blessings & Namaste, Shadiyah (USA) Ramier Pathy May 4, 2012 Leela Samson has been the most dynamic leader after Rukmini Devi. She exposed Kalakshetra students to other genres of music and dance practiced in other regions of our country. Moumala Nayak May 4, 2012 Leela Samson ji belongs to that category of artistes who become more precious with their ripening age, that art field should not miss out. Preminda Langer May 4, 2012 Leela Akka was my daughter’s dance teacher. Seeped in the guru shishya parampara, Leela asked nothing for herself, and gave compassionately to her students. She also is a person of deep integrity and honour, seeped in the finest aspects of our culture and Indian tradition. She is dedicated, mature and without ego. Our country needs people like her as role models. Let us not forget, Indian culture is one of the few traditions that puts wisdom and experience before age. Maya Krishna Rao May 4, 2012 Leela Samson, as Director for the last few years, has enhanced the place of Kalakshetra as a premiere institution of dance in India. She is an asset to Kalakshetra. For such uniquely accomplished arts administrators who are still full of drive and vision, 'official age of retirement' simply cannot be a reason to end their tenure. Leela Samson should definitely be offered an extension. Ramya Nair May 4, 2012 She is an amazing dancer and a leader, and who else can make a dance institution a better place other than a dancer her/himself?!! Lakshmi Rajan May 4, 2012 Leela has done a great job. She needs to be appreciated and supported, as it’s so difficult to get things done honestly and ethically in the current environment. The community needs to support such people. Kamna Shrikanth May 4, 2012 Leela Akka is a fine artiste and human being and has been a dynamic and committed Director of Kalakshetra, a director whose vision for the institution is positive, strong and clear. She deserves the unconditional support of the Board of Kalakshetra as also the Central Govt because people this good, this committed, don't come around too often and they must be treasured, not treated to jumped up allegations. Nadezhda Kovriga May 4, 2012 Leela Akka is just the right person to rule Kalakshetra; she has done so many things for Kalakshetra to come up. She is a visionary and has given new life to Kalakshetra. Rohini Pinto May 4, 2012 Leela is highly efficient, totally honest, a dancer, and the correct person who understands the arts and theatre. Age is an outdated archaic reason to ask someone to retire. Marina Sudomoina May 4, 2012 Ms. Leela Samson is a great dancer and teacher, known all around the world. Sivanathan Amirthavani May 4, 2012 I don’t think age is a problem for service... nobody can replace her. Vijaysing Bundhoo May 4, 2012 I have had the opportunity of attending numerous functions in Kalakshetra where her presence has impacted magically. I am also aware of how committed she is to maintain the values and ideals of Athai (Rukmini Devi Arundale). She is also at all times, on the move to make every student grow in their respective fields and her keen interest to follow this issue closely is really very laudable. Being dynamic, resourceful, motivated, and having the heart to make Kalakshetra shine, I vouch that she should be back in her seat as director for the benefit of one and all. Maranganti Venkata Narasimhachari May 4, 2012 Leela Samson is a dynamic administrator with a great vision. She is known for her understanding and readiness in encouraging genuine talent. Simple in nature and great in ideals, she has been striving to keep the glorious flag of Kalakshetra aloft. Leela is an excellent combination of a creative artiste and a deft administrator. The very fact that she enjoys the support and acceptance of the artiste fraternity is proof enough of her capacity and integrity. May God give her the strength to set things right and may she be blessed by her mentor, Smt. Rukmini Devi, our beloved Athai! Sarasa Suri May 4, 2012 The transition should be natural, and not in haste due to any political reason. It is an empire built by very committed people like her and there should be a valid reason for the change! Jyothi Mohan May 4, 2012 Because I believe that Leela Samson understands Kalakshetra's needs and has the dynamism to carry it forward with vision. Meena Mathew May 4, 2012 Only the best can produce the best. Tasia Joseph May 4, 2012 Want her back for the institution. Rimsha Qureshi May 4, 2012 Even though I don't dance I am a part of performing arts. I sing and dancing is dear to me as much as singing. I love dances... It’s a different world of its own. And I would like dancers around everywhere to have justice and rights! This to me seems like their right has not been given! And I am ready to unite and help to fight for their right! Srikaran Panchadcharasarma May 4, 2012 God’s gift for art… Sarveshan Kumar May 4, 2012 Leela Akka should leave when she feels the time is right and in that process careful consideration as to who will be the next director of Kalakshetra will take place - and they will be the best choice for Kalakshetra. Leela Akka will always be a great exponent of Bharatanatyam and inspire many other young dancers like me. This is about preserving the traditions of Kalakshetra and leaving the legacy of Leela Samson untarnished by narrow-minded conservatives. Ajay Goyal May 4, 2012 Reinstate Leela Samson. Retirement age should not be given effect during the tenure of a post, particularly in areas of operation, where + age is a +tive sign and gives value addition in cultural activities. Anusheh Anadil May 4, 2012 Because I love her and believe in her… Sujatha Suresh May 4, 2012 Reinstate Ms. Leela Samson… Uma Shankar May 4, 2012 Kalakshetra needs such an able leader who has grace combined with leadership capabilities. She being a great artiste herself can take the institution to greater heights. Mona Shukla May 4, 2012 She is a renowned dancer... I feel that she should be there. K Suresh May 4, 2012 Since no one else is capable of administering this organisation at present… SC Sekhar May 4, 2012 Instead of recognizing and awarding contribution, we can only complain, quoting age. How about defining an age for toothless and corrupt politicians... Srikanth Venkataraman May 4, 2012 Normally all the decisions taken have to be approved by the board, so why are they blaming it on Leela now? The board has to take the responsibility if at all… Srikanth Venkataraman May 4, 2012 What was the board doing? Why are they witch hunting Leela now? Anushka Bharos May 4, 2012 Ms. Leela Samson is needed for Kalakshetra. Venkatesh Sthanusubramanian May 3, 2012 Leela Samson is one person who can revive Kalakshetra. She must continue as long as possible. Aruna Rao May 3, 2012 I have had the honour of being Ms. Samson's student many years ago. You will never find a more passionate, committed and honest Director even if you did a huge search. Her knowledge of the arts and commitment to purity and tradition is amazing and yet, she is able to mix the past and the present in a beautiful way. Do the right thing - REINSTATE HER. And when did 60 become an old age? Arindam Mukhopadhyay May 3, 2012 Being a music student, I think every individual who loves music and dance should support Akka to be there in Kalakshetra and think about the future of music and dance in our country. Jan Mattimoe May 3, 2012 I am grossly disappointed in the fact that now the world of art is being subjected to the corrupt practices of the political world. The corrupted should be ashamed. Anjana Anand May 3, 2012 I believe in her leadership which has shown in the work and has equipped students to become a part of the dance world both nationally and globally. More importantly, she believes in what Kalakshetra stands for and that love and passion is what I place my faith in as a torch bearer of the institution. Pankaja Thakur May 3, 2012 I believe important offices should be occupied by people with proven records of efficiency and integrity. Need of the hour. Erica Dhar May 3, 2012 It is shocking that rampant "ageism" persists in India today. Leela Samson has devoted her life to the arts and the country is lucky to have her! Sameera Iyengar May 3, 2012 Many of us have been following closely the steps Leela Samson has been taking to rejuvenate and inject a fresh life and breadth of vision into Kalakshetra - it has been inspirational, and we need her to consolidate this work for the healthy future of dance and the arts in India. I sincerely hope the Ministry of Culture and the Kalakshetra Board take a pro-arts decision, and reinstate Leela Samson. Shridhar S May 3, 2012 Leela-ji is one of the finest exponents of art and a true visionary. She has been doing great work as the director of Kalakshetra. She should continue. Anjali Capila May 3, 2012 I am signing because I truly believe in the outstanding work that Leela Samson has done and would continue to do as the director of Kalakshetra. Institutions in this country should flourish and not wither because of vested interests. Nelson Fernandez, OBE May 3, 2012 Leela Samson is an extraordinary artist and a very special individual who has worked tirelessly on behalf of the arts of India. She commands great respect, not least because she is so clearly selfless in her dedication. She is a rare sort of person. Please re-consider your decision. Andrée Grau May 3, 2012 Ms. Samson should be able to continue as head of Kalakshetra. She has demonstrated a deep commitment to the institution and she has the support of the dancing and scholarly communities around the world. P Rajagopal May 3, 2012 We need more people like Leela to keep the arts accessible, integer and vitalized. Debabrata Chakrabarti May 3, 2012 I also appeal in favor of all creative artists, men of letters, educators, teachers that they should not have any retirement; they should work so long as they are able or willing. Rajkumar Vellattuparambil Chandran May 3, 2012 I want Ms. Leela to continue as the Director of Kalakshetra. She has done enormous service to the culture and society of this country. And all the lovers of dance want her to continue the good service she has done these years. So please don’t resign, madam....we need you.... Shubha Chaudhuri May 3, 2012 Though Leela Samson resigned of her own will, she clearly did so from a lack of support which is extremely unfortunate given her abilities, stature, integrity and personality. Kirtana Kumar May 3, 2012 Because we need more artists and less bureaucrats and other sundry climbers running arts organizations. Because asking an artist to resign at 60 is ridiculous as an artist doesn't stop growing, learning and re-thinking stuff unlike, well.... where does one start. (Our current president is 77 and no one's cribbing about her age). Guru Ganapathi May 3, 2012 Art doesn't have any age limit...it’s a born gift of god till death...and for an iconic character like her, it’s totally incomparable! John Samson May 3, 2012 Ms. Samson is a very able administrator and has huge political experience. She is the chairperson of the Central Board of Film Certification and chairperson of the Sangeet Natak Akademi. It would be also very good if the GOI decided to appoint her as CEO of Bharat Petroleum Corporation Limited and the Minister of Defense. Bilva Raman May 3, 2012 Kalakshetra needs Leela Akka ... It is in the interest of our country and the art world to preserve institutions like Kalakshetra which are treasures we need to nourish, preserve, celebrate and take care of with love, affection, commitment, untiring energy, unwavering dedication and clarity of vision. We cannot afford to let them wither away. We must learn from the fate of many such institutions which have sadly degenerated. We cannot afford to let this happen to an institution like Kalakshetra. It is just too precious. Time we woke up, time our country woke up and acknowledged the treasures that we have and pro-actively do everything we can to help nurture such institutions. It would be a shame if we let Leela Akka go...Time to get a perspective and act on it....NOW. Vidhya Govindan May 3, 2012 Leela ma’am is among India’s most dynamic and technically brilliant dancers, an outstanding representative of Kalakshetra, the famed institute for the classical arts founded by the late Rukmini Devi Arundale on the Chennai ocean front. Her personal style is unostentatious, serene and characterized by an impeccable technique that blends geometrical precision with vibrancy and an unfettered ease. Her rhythmic acumen is apparent in dance compositions containing varied and challenging percussion patterns. Definitely Kalakshetra needs her contribution much more in the coming years. Leela ma’am's service to Kalakshetra is incomparable. We definitely need her back. Shaji N Karun May 3, 2012 One of the great achievements of Leela Samson in her life as a teacher and dancer is her ability to understand the humanism in arts and its questioning. The complimentary mind mandatory for a teacher, faith in good taste, and an artist’s belief in the human races make her totally a scholarly person. I really judge that these qualities are the prime essentials to become a visionary of Kalakshetra and for those simple reasons alone I am incapable to visualize as the leader of Kalakshetra, any other than Ms. Leela Samson. Ayona Bhaduri May 3, 2012 Because there are very few performing artistes, dancers particularly, who are also very able arts administrators and Leela Samson is one such rare dancer. And institutions such as Kalakshetra require such people as her with vision to take it forward. M Shankar May 3, 2012 I remember the seminars organised by Kalakshetra under the directorship of Leela Samson in New Delhi last year. It helped to understand Kalakshetra a lot. I wish she could continue her marvellous job in Kalakshetra. Binaifar Bhesania May 3, 2012 Very humble, simple art oriented person very focused in her endeavour. Contributed a lot to the dance community over the years. Very mature to continue being the Director of Kalakshetra. Cannot be anyone better and right person in this position than Leela-ji. Annapurna Garimella May 3, 2012 Leela is a renowned dancer and an institution builder and she knows how to work with people. That is a hard combination and her abilities should be harnessed for the benefit of India's performing arts. Sandeep Ashwath May 3, 2012 I once saw a choreography by Ms. Samson based on Krishna-Kalinga of such rapturous beauty and talent. It is only people like her that can extract the true power of dance. Ambika Chandrasekar May 3, 2012 Leela Samson has brought energy and vitality to Kalakshetra, which is above all a centre for creativity and culture, not a bureaucrat's fiefdom. Har Mandir Singh 'Hamraaz' May 3, 2012 She richly deserves to continue holding the post irrespective of her age. Mythili Kumar May 3, 2012 Kalakshetra has thrived under her since she became the director and she has shown herself to be traditional yet progressive and inclusive, and of high integrity. I echo what others have said that a visionary leader like her should be reinstated. Hyma Ramakrishna May 3, 2012 Because I am desperate that Leela should continue to head Kalakshetra. V Krishna Ananth May 3, 2012 Kalakshetra must survive and it needs Leela Samson for that. Sharmila Biswas May 3, 2012 I am signing this because Kalakshetra is one of the treasured institutions of India and Leela Samson has contributed immensely and will continue to contribute as long as she is alive. Our system should not take away dedicated workers for such a flimsy reason as age. In fact, her age is an asset, so it is very frustrating. I don’t know when we will grow up and start taking mature decisions for our country. Nithya Nagarajan May 3, 2012 It is not every day an institution comes across a remarkable head like Leela Samson. She is an artiste much ahead of her time and breathed life into Kalakshetra. Being a student of Rukmini Devi Arundale herself and having closely interacted with her, she advanced the ideals which are the foundation for the institution. Age is an irrelevant factor, and Leela Samson is very contemporary in her view for dance even today. Her merit as a teacher, administrator and dancer needs no mention and it would be a huge loss to the dance world if she isn't reinstated as director. Jagannathan Subramanian May 3, 2012 80 % of our politicians are over 60 and take care of themselves and hang on shamelessly with poor track record. Why put in spanners on a smooth running wheel moving under the watchful eyes of Leela Samson? Ratipriya S May 3, 2012 Ms. Leela Samson is irreplaceable. Nobody else can be a good director of Kalashetra. She must occupy this post minimum till 2035. Gangalakshmi Mani May 3, 2012 Even if she is over 60, so what? She is still dancing on stage and will continue even at 85 because she is a visionary. She sacrificed her personal life to great visions. A visionary is not compelled to respond to allegations and insinuations. Uma Sathyanarayanan May 3, 2012 Considering that Ms. Leela Samson is chairing the Sangeet Natak Akademi, which is a very influential position, I decided to join other dancers in support of Ms. Leela Samson. Sangeeta Sharma May 3, 2012 As an Indian contemporary dancer, I support her hard and creative contribution to our culture. Chittibabu S May 3, 2012 We can't find any other suitable personality other than Ms. Samson for Kalakshetra. Reeti Bhargava May 3, 2012 This is a classic example of conflict of vested interests vs a committed and honest person. All the board members must be removed. Vijayameenakshi Iyer May 3, 2012 Though I don’t know much about arts, I feel people who know it are saying the correct thing like Ms. Anita Ratnam's email campaign!! If people like her are going all out ..then am sure I am doing the right thing by voting here. Sreejith Damodaran May 3, 2012 I want Leela Samson continue as the Director of Kalakshetra. Aaricia Ponnet May 3, 2012 Leela Samson is an inspirational woman who lives for her dance and the academy. It would be a great loss if rumours nullified all the good work she has done! Krishna Rao May 3, 2012 I am signing because I know Ms Samson. I know her to be a person of impeccable character. It's a pity that in our country we easily forget those who have helped put the nation on the good side of the world map. We tend to also forget the atrocities committed by those who have shamelessly staked the nations name for their personal benefits, have not done anything of any value save fulfilling their own interests and they have NO RETIREMENT AGE!! No LAW to book them and make them answerable for their misdeeds. I hope good sense will prevail. Aftab Seth May 3, 2012 She is the most competent person. Jagannathan Subramanian May 3, 2012 Dedicated / honest & sincere people are a few. Leela Samson has done good work & has a capable hand. Gyuzel Flanagan May 3, 2012 I am Bharatanatyam dancer. I love and respect Ms. Leela Samson as a dancer and person. Rupendra Majumdar May 3, 2012 The right people should be on the dance floor. Anantha Nagarajan May 3, 2012 She deserves to continue… Theodore Baskaran May 3, 2012 She is a progressive leader. Sunita Thakur May 3, 2012 She must be reinstated. Hiten Bhaya May 3, 2012 She has made a significant contribution to one of our best traditional dance form. Besides, I was a staff officer with her father when he was the Naval Adviser to our High Commissioner in London! Alexis Chen Johnson May 3, 2012 Leela Akka deserves nothing but the highest praise for her dedicated service to us all! We are blessed by her talent, leadership and beautiful spirit. Please clear the way so that she can continue to offer her gifts to Kalakshetra, India and the world. Radhayangchen Gopalakrishnan May 3, 2012 I am signing because for the past seven years, Kalakshetra has opened its doors and windows to dancers and musicians from all over India....artists who, earlier, did not have a chance to perform in what is arguably our country's most prestigious cultural institution. Most performances were offered free to the public and what a pleasure it was to see the auditorium full of music and dance lovers.. some very young, some old, many who could, never, in the past, have afforded a ticket......Ms. Samson's imaginative direction lit up Kalakshetra in so many ways. I cannot conceive what the future will be like without her shining presence. Her students and staff are devastated... Erika Nandi May 3, 2012 Because I believe in her as an inspiring role model, be it as person or dancer. Arun Sankar May 3, 2012 Leela Akka is a person of extraordinary talent and great caliber. Since she stepped into Kalakshetra, she worked for the betterment and progress of the institution, students and its staff. She taught us that open mindedness is very important for an artiste to grow. She showed us the world outside and helped youngsters like us to find a place in the field. I strongly feel that Akka should be back for the betterment of the institution and the community! Ram Ramanan May 3, 2012 I have known Leela Samson for a long time. She is a true professional and a great leader. Leadership has no age barrier. Some of the greatest leaders have done their best work well into their 60's, 70's and so on. Neewin Hershall May 3, 2012 Leela Akka brought dynamic and magical changes to Kalakshetra in a very short period of time. She as a person is very creative and a lady of extraordinary potential. She knew what Kalakshetra lacked and worked for its uplift and made it global! I strongly feel she should be back in this very institution as the director for the benefit of the institution and rest of the artiste world. Rajendran K Srinivasan May 3, 2012 I have seen Ms Leela Samson as a member of the academic council/society of National School of Drama (NSD), taking keen interest in the academic programme of the school. I know her as an outstanding performer for more than 3 decades. While we in NSD, an autonomous organisation under the very same ministry of culture, GOI, CONTINUE TO WORK BEYOND 60 YEARS, why should Ms Leela Samson be asked to relinquish the office of the Director of Kalakshetra at 60? Sunil Pratap May 3, 2012 It is a shame that an artiste of Leela's caliber is quitting from her Alma mater!! God help Kalakshetra!! Monica Cooley May 2, 2012 The integrity, humility, dedication, artistic excellence, intelligence and years of experience that Leela Akka brought to the directorship of Kalakshetra should not be sacrificed to the pettiness, politics and slavish adherence to outdated rules of those desiring her exit. Leela Akka will have multiple new opportunities and the support of thousands who value her. But what about Kalakshetra? What will happen to this extraordinary institution? Were there any well-thought out plans in place for her successor before she was forced to resign? If so, let's hear them...if not, please request Leela Akka to resume her service. Vivek Khadpekar May 2, 2012 Leela Samson is one of the outstanding dancers of her generation. Leading by example, she has drawn to the art several young people from a social class that generally appears to be getting progressively alienated from India's cultural heritage. Her art and her country cannot afford to do without the valuable contributions which she is capable of rendering for many more years to come. Shumon Sengupta May 2, 2012 In my view Ms. Leela Samson injected new life into Kalakshetra and was pursuing a road map to regain the lost glory of this august institution. Even if she has approached the so called official retirement age, she needs to be given sufficient time to take her lofty vision to its logical conclusion. Barbara Framm May 2, 2012 It is entirely arbitrary to be asking someone to resign because they've reached the 'official' retirement age of 60. (Who has set that limitation?) And it is in complete disregard for the great gifts this person has, and brings to her position as Director of Kalakshetra. Please reinstate her (if indeed, she wants to be reinstated). Dooseeta Bhurut May 2, 2012 I was a student of Kalakshetra. I know that Leela Akka is someone wonderful and really caring. She has contributed a lot to Kalakshetra. I want her to continue. Jovani Ratnarajah May 2, 2012 Art without vulgarity, Education without fear, Beauty without cruelty - Leela Samson models all these values in her life. She is a gifted communicator and a valuable voice for our art community. It will be a great shame to remove her from Kalakshetra. Please reinstate Ms. Samson as the Director of Kalakshetra. Ramaa Bharadvaj May 2, 2012 Showing this 60 year age as retirement for government employees should not apply for an arts organization like Kalakshetra. Leela was a dynamic administrator with an impeccable reputation as a teacher and performer. Bureaucracy is being given precedence over artistic merit. Anuradha Nehru May 2, 2012 I think Leela Samson has contributed a great deal to the institution of Kalakshetra, and it would be a great shame and loss to the Indian classical dancers in India and around the world to lose a visionary such as her. I would very much like to see her reinstated. Aditi Rao Hydari May 2, 2012 Because when you are lucky enough to get a person like Leela Samson, you don’t let her go for a lame reason like age. Kalakshetra was breathing with life and dynamism because of what Leela Samson brought to it. A wonderful teacher and beautiful dancer, she made sure Kalakshetra was the perfect mix of tradition, knowledge, seamless administration, and an atmosphere so perfect for students and teachers to learn and blossom into thinking creative artistes. For the sake of art and artistes, for the sake of this country where art struggles to find a firm hold, we have to bring her back so she can continue to do the fabulous work she was doing. It would be a shame if the Indian government treats their artists badly yet again and we let that happen. Leela Samson is a treasure and we should cherish her. Vinita Bhargava May 2, 2012 Kalakshetra came first for her. Her devotion and integrity cannot be questioned. Sam Kumar May 2, 2012 Leela Samson is a classical Indian dancer with modern outlook. She has performed in many parts of India and the world. She reflects a global vision of dance as art and creative movement. As a lover of all forms of dance and as a well-wisher of Kalakshetra, I would like her to continue the good work she has been doing. Lakshmi Swaminathan May 2, 2012 Leela Akka is a wonderful, dynamic person and to cite age as a reason is shocking. I had the privilege of watching her perform last fall in DC and she was as brilliant as I remember seeing her in Kolkata over 30 years ago. Christel Stevens May 2, 2012 Because, as its most illustrious graduate, Leela akka is uniquely qualified to bring Kalakshetra into the 21st century as a world-class center of India's traditional arts. No one can take her place! Gloria Mandelik May 2, 2012 I had the joy and good fortune to be a student in Kalakshetra when Leela Samson was also a student, 10 years my junior. I cannot understand why in this age, when 60 is the equivalent to 40 half a century ago, a person should lose their job because of their age – I am still going strong at 71. Leela Samson is a creative artist, a brilliant scholar, and an excellent administrator. She also attended Kalakshetra when the founder, Rukmini Devi, was still teaching and choreographing. I think that with all Ms. Samson’s wonderful qualities, she has brought Kalakshetra into the 21st century, while still maintaining all the artistry and values that Rukmini Devi exposed in the 20th century, preserving the ancient flavour of India’s art in the best of taste. I might mention that Rukmini Devi was in her 80’s when she died, and she was still involved in the running of the institution she founded; at that time age still inspired respect for knowledge and experience, rather than being a reason to push someone out of a job they are doing with excellence. It is my fervent desire that Leela Samson be reinstated to her position. Otherwise I fear for future of what is a unique jewel in the whole world as an example of an artistic institution. Arun Khopkar May 2, 2012 Working with Ms. Samson on a film, I came to know her deep commitment to her medium and to Kalakshetra, its traditions and potential. It is seldom that an institution gets as its head, a person who feels its spirit and is genuinely committed to it. It would be a pity were she, for whom dance is a way of life, to be replaced by someone who would take up the directorship as 'another job'. Parul Pandya Dhar May 2, 2012 The sequence of events and the circumstances that led Leela Samson to put in her resignation papers need to be reviewed carefully by the Ministry, and the possibility of re-instituting her as the Director for a further period of five years needs to be seriously addressed. During her tenure as Director, Kalakshetra, Leela Samson’s vision, devotion, integrity and tireless efforts to strengthen the ideals of her alma mater and to ensure its long life as a sustainable and professional institution of excellence in the arts in the 21st century, can scarcely be questioned. Kalakshetra in particular and the future of India’s performing arts in general stand to gain immensely from her. Her sudden exit leaves many crucial projects incomplete, which at this stage are not likely to be as competently taken care of by anyone else. Apoorva Jayaraman May 2, 2012 A person to replace Leela Samson's magnetic personality and keen mind is hard to come by. A phenomenal artist, contemporary in the true sense, there can be no better person to ensure the continuing and organic development of Kalakshetra. Her honesty comes through easily even to a student of dance (and non-Kalakshetra-ite) like me who has had minimal interaction with her. In a country like ours where the average age in parliament is 50+ and grey-hair welcomed with open arms (12 out of 40 odd Bharat Ratnas being posthumous), it is ironic, and extremely unfortunate, that her position as Director has been challenged on account of her age. Amitabh Mukhopadhyay May 2, 2012 We need persons who care for the vocation to lead it, not bureaucrats who can perhaps manage paper much better but have not devoted their lives to a vocation like dancing or painting or writing... Muthusamy Varadarajan May 2, 2012 43 years of my knowing Leela closely mean to me 4 decades of my close observation and intense awareness of her superb artistry as a dancer, a sustained upholder and purveyor of (Athai) Rukmini Devi's vision, a veteran arts administrator and wearer of many hats with aplomb and efficiency ...and a 'complete' human being of rectitude and integrity. Kalakshetra will be poorer in her absence and the sooner she is back the better. Sandhya Khurana May 2, 2012 Because Leela Samson is a timeless, ageless, priceless treasure house of India's culture. Priyanka Narayanan May 2, 2012 Leela Samson should be given the chance to restore her good name and give the CAG the explanations for their questions (how the filming of a few dance dramas can cost Rs. 3.9 crore, how the renovation of the kitchen can cost Rs. 34 lakh, and why a sound system worth Rs. 62 lakh was bought but not utilised). Joyce Paul Poursabahian May 2, 2012 UNFAIR - for someone who has selflessly given to the art form, institute, artists and friends BRASH BOARD- looks like this is not such a well thought out decision esp. when there is no one of her stature and caliber below the age limit prescribed (which is the reason given for this incident) to take over the reins of Kalakshetra. GREENER PASTURES - For the person Leela Akka is and what she has done for not just for the institute, the art, the community but students like me the world over, she deserves much better. At this point, my personal opinion is that Kalakshetra does not deserve to have her back as Director. She did her stint there; she should now go on to greener pastures and be in a place where people will value her. Rajika Puri May 2, 2012 Ms Leela Samson is not only a great artiste but in many ways the heir to Rukmini Devi, the founder of Kalakshetra. She has, moreover, been a visionary in leading this great dance academy into the 21st century. But more than that, having known her family (her father was an Admiral in the Indian Navy, my father a general and Vir Chakra awardee in the Indian army), I believe in her personal integrity, and am VERY surprised that ANYONE would not summarily throw out of court any allegations made re 'fiscal irregularities" during her tenure. Disgruntled people often start court cases. It is for wise people to handle them with grace and fairness. Rahul Pahwa May 2, 2012 It is strange for such a thing to happen in the first place, but this happens only in India!! I am surprised that when there are so many other more critical issues for the Governments and their representatives to focus on, some prefer to pass their time, harassing others who despite their position are "apolitical." Not long ago, a legend of the likes of MF Hussain was conferred with a Padma Shri and everyone across the globe is aware what happened to him till he breathed his last. Leela Samson's sheen will shine again and hopefully sense will prevail. Bhavanvitha Venkat May 2, 2012 One should have a proper procedure that is transparent and fair. Methods and procedures should uphold the dignity of the person and of the office. Art administration is to be done keeping the sensitivities involved. Susan Visvanathan May 2, 2012 Leela should hold fort till someone of equal stature is delegated. Shashi Menon May 2, 2012 Important that artists are heard and allowed to function with great autonomy . More freedom be given to them...please! Rakini Devi May 2, 2012 Ms. Samson is a visionary, an artist, and a role model. She is not easily replaced by some bureaucrat who has no knowledge, soul or insight into the world of Kalakshetra. How surprising that the Ministry should accept her resignation without hesitation! What a sad day for the future of this institution to lose one of its precious and relevant links to the great founder Rukmini Devi. Megha Vijay May 2, 2012 Dance & music both, in fact arts in any form, are limitless expressions. Age or any other reason should not be based as a criterion to express oneself, as this would create limitations to such expressions. Swagata Sen Pillai May 2, 2012 Akka has shoulders broad enough to take the blows and the responsibility. She has the vision and the legacy. She is both an offshoot and an extension of the institution. The reasons are many...the aim is the preservation and continuance of Athai's dream and lifetime's work and that needs someone who shared it with her. Akka is such a one... Jaya Jacob May 2, 2012 Leela Samson has preserved Rukmini Devi's legacy. Prakruthi Sreerangaraju May 2, 2012 Because Kalakshetra needs her. Because dancers need her guidance. Because dance itself needs her. Sylvia Valentine May 2, 2012 As a foreign dance student who has been blessed to learn at Kalakshetra and see the work and efforts of Ms. Samson, all I can say is, she is an amazing director, administrator and last but not least a great dancer. She has contributed greatly to the institution and to Indian culture itself. And, she has always cared for her work and people!! Rajan GS May 2, 2012 I stand with the dance/art community extending support to this cause though I have my personal reservations and views which I am keeping away for the cause. Prabha Bala May 2, 2012 Leela is a gifted visionary and has done a wonderful job of building on its original foundations and taking Kalakshetra to an expansive growth as a world class Arts institution. She has opened up Kalakshetra and made it accessible to all members of the Arts community and has created a wonderful sense of national pride and ownership for Kalakshetra. All this is admirable and needed for the growth of the institution and the Arts itself. Kalakshetra is at the brink of a growth spurt in many new directions especially academic research. Kalakshetra needs Leela's leadership. Tulsi Dharmarajan May 2, 2012 Leela Akka is the only one who can do it! Sathyamoorthy Kannan May 2, 2012 She’s a good academician cum administrator. Suchitra Sairam May 2, 2012 Leela Akka's impact on moving Kalakshetra forward and making it better while retaining its core values is immense. The future of Kalakshetra and of the arts in India is better with her at Kalakshetra's helm. Rotna Das May 2, 2012 Do not politicise the cultural institutions. Leela Samson is an artist of reputed standing; let her continue till she is capable, and the government finds another person of her stature. Abhirami Iyer May 2, 2012 We want Leela Akka back... I am a student of Kalakshetra and Akka is the goddess of the campus. If there is no deity in the temple of arts then I don’t have to explain the situation. We want our goddess back... Kailash Bajpai May 2, 2012 In support of the good work done by her… Sushila Duraiswami May 2, 2012 I am very keen to support Leela Samson for all that she has accomplished at Kalakshetra. Jotika Krishnan May 2, 2012 I'm a student of Kalakshetra. Leela Akka definitely inspired us in many ways not only to want to become good dancers but more importantly become good human beings. Kalakshetra will just not be the same without Leela Akka!! Chris Bessell May 2, 2012 Leela Samson is a national treasure who should be immediately persuaded to return as leader of Kalakshetra. Her reputation speaks for itself and her career is testimony to the standards of excellence she seeks for herself and expects from others. Her reinstatement is a priority. Vasudha Sharma May 2, 2012 I used to learn Bharatanatyam till 9th standard. Always regretted not continuing it... and always wished I could have learned Bharatanatyam at Kalakshetra. She once took a class at Gandharva Mahavidyalaya where I used to learn Bharatanatyam. Deb Mukharji May 2, 2012 I think Kalakshetra needs her. Brinda Dubey May 2, 2012 People who have proved they can run an institution in a dedicated manner are few, and since Leela Samson is one of those, she should be reinstated immediately. Neerja Singh May 2, 2012 Both my daughters graduated from the Kathak Kendra. They were disciples of Guru Malti Shyam. I appreciate the significance of Leela-ji's continued leadership of Kalakshetra. Shanthi Krishnan May 2, 2012 Leela's poise and image is highly respected by all of us. She does not deserve to resign. She should continue as Director of Kalakshetra. Neena Gulati May 2, 2012 I support reinstatement of Leela Samson as Director of Kalakshetra. Achal Narayanan May 2, 2012 It is easy to ask Leela Samson to resign, but it will not be that easy to find a suitable successor for her with the requisite qualifications. Anitha Santhi May 2, 2012 Leela Samson is a visionary whose thoughts and contribution to the amazing world of creativity defies age and retirement. Mesma Belsare May 2, 2012 An arts organisation needs leadership by visionaries, critical thinkers and best of all, by artistes of Ms. Samson’s stature and experience. Age has got nothing to do with it. It would be a huge disservice to put Kalakshetra in the hands of bureaucrats who have never put a foot in a dance or music studio. Nripjit Chawla May 2, 2012 Because Leela is an example of the kind of leader every cultural organisation needs. Lakshmi Swaminathan May 2, 2012 Art and creativity hast no age. Vasundhara Mukundan May 2, 2012 As someone who was fortunate enough to study in Kalakshetra under the directorship of Leela Akka, it would be nothing short of a tragedy if we were to lose her. Sujatha Vijayaraghavan May 2, 2012 Leela Samson should reconsider her decision and resume her service to her Alma Mater. It needs a leader of her calibre, vision, dynamism and integrity at its helm. Criteria of age, height and weight requirements relevant in other fields are out of place in the realm of art and art administration. Akhlaq Ahan May 2, 2012 We have only a few genuine individuals to run institutions.....fortunately Kalakshetra has got one. Akshaya Rajangam May 2, 2012 For budding young dancers, she is the role model and a visionary of the future! Future students of Kalakshetra need her guidance and support! Anitha Santhanam May 2, 2012 She has been doing wonderful work at Kalakshetra. Amitabh Sinha May 2, 2012 Cause good people are hard to find. Abhishek Goswami May 2, 2012 Artiste is an artiste lifelong.... not an employee or a bureaucrat. Vidya Rao May 2, 2012 Leela Samson is a truly iconic figure. A great dancer and teacher, she is also an extremely efficient administrator, a visionary, extremely knowledgeable, and above all, an upright, honest and very good human being. Under her directorship Kalakshetra has flowered, nurturing the arts in an atmosphere deeply respectful of tradition and at the same time vibrantly aware of contemporary realities. Age is totally irrelevant here. Leela is both capable and committed to her work. It would be a grave disservice to the arts in general and Kalakshetra in particular if she cannot continue as director. Melattur S Natarajan May 2, 2012 Within her brief tenure as Director of Kalakshetra, Ms. Leela had done a wonderful job and made Kalakshetra's flag fly high again. In the interest of art, she should be allowed to continue as the Director. Sumana Srinivasan May 2, 2012 I love Indian classical dance and I am troubled to see that Kalakshetra, the temple of dance, is losing a dynamic head because of age factor and not merit. Lubna Marium May 2, 2012 Leela Samson is not just a stupendous dancer she is also a scholar, which should help maintain the vision of the founders of Kalakshetra. Devaki Panini May 2, 2012 Because Leela Samson has added vitality and vibrancy to an institution that would otherwise slowly disintegrate. With its loss, a chunk of India's cultural history would be swallowed up. Kalakshetra needs an able visionary to steer it and she is that. Usha Dinesh May 2, 2012 Leela Samson is a visionary, an artiste herself and has taken Kalakshetra to new heights with sufficient exposure that does justice to the premium institution that it is. She should not become a victim of circumstances and the imbroglio of political situations. It’s very easy to find fault but how many can take up that mantle and work with focus to change things? Leela Samson has all qualifications for the position and has done great justice so far. Let us not allow politicization of a genuine cause and lose out great talent, credibility and stature. We MUST have Ms. Samson back. I am not a dancer but a lover of art and have seen Kalakshetra blossom again under her leadership. Natesh Muthusamy May 2, 2012 Ms. Samson is a good leader. Subhalakshmi Kumar May 2, 2012 She deserves my support. Sivakumar Pandithar May 2, 2012 Leela ji as an artist, an administrator, and as a person is wonderful. We never see a dilution in the roles she has to perform. She has got much more to contribute, being actively involved. Leela ji, please stay. Parthiban Manoharan May 2, 2012 She was a visionary and I believe was a great leader of the Kalakshetra institution. Sastha Prakash KG May 2, 2012 Art for art's sake. Madhana Raghavan Nitiyananda Rahavan May 1, 2012 I think Leela Akka breathed fresh air into Kalakshetra and helped in the institution's opening up. She doesn't deserve an exit like this. |
