The Dhananjayans felicitated in Kerala on receiving Padma Bhushan 

March 23, 2009 
 
Bharatanatyam gurus Shanta and Dhananjayan were given a civic reception at Payyanur on February 16, 2009 by the Muncipality and people of the township.  Payyanur bazaar wore a festive look with ceremonial instruments (panchavaadyam) and a huge procession leading the Dhananjayans to the Gandhi Park. Local politicians and several other important personalities were present to felicitate the Padma Bhushan awardees. Dhananjayan is the first Padma awardee in Kannur district and the citizens shared their pride and joy with the couple.  On the previous day (Feb 15), relatives around the village gathered and gave a rousing reception at Dhananjayan's father's house (Athayil veedu).  
 

civic reception at Payyanur
a public function at Chittur Tattamangalam Municipality
At Chittur on 8 Feb 2009, the Dancing Duo were affectionately felicitated at Cherubala Nalukettu by the proud family members. Later at a public function at Chittur Tattamangalam Municipality celebrating their Centenary this year, Kerala Assembly Speaker honored and felicitated the Dhananjayans. 

Kathakali Asan T K Chandu Panikkar Samskarika Saahiti, Trikkaripur, where Dhananjayan had spent his early days, the whole village gathered there to give a rousing welcome to the Dhananjayans. The main attraction was their favourite Lakshmi Gopalaswamy, Malayalam film actress and Bharatanatyam dancer.  Congress leader Kunjanbu presided and gave away mementos to the Dhananjayans.  
 

reception at Trikkaripur
reception at Kerala Kalamandalam University
On March 5, 2009, Kerala Kalamandalam University Vice Chancellor Dr. KG Paulose, staff and students gave a heart warming reception to Shanta and Dhananjayan. In the morning, they had an interactive session with Post-graduate students and Mohiniattam Professor Leelamma, Kathakali maestro MPS Nambuthiri and others.  

On March 7, 2009 at Payyanur, the birth place of Dhananjayan, the celebrated film lyricist, music composer and Malayalam poet Kaithapram Damodran Nambuthiri gave a memento to The Dhananjayans in the precinct of the famous Payyanur Subramania Temple.  
  

reception at Payyanur
reception at Kannur Saamskaarika Saahiti
Kannur Saamskaarika Saahiti headed by Prof. Mohamad Ahmad in the District headquarter (Kannur) felicitated The Dhananjayans in a befitting manner.  District Congress President Ramakrishnan and several other Congress dignitaries spoke on the occasion and expressed their pride and happiness in a couple from their region getting the prestigious Padma Award.  While Dhananjayan is from Payyanur (Kannur dist), Shanta is from Chittur (Palakkad Dist). Shanta's grandfather's home is in Kannur.  
  
Annur Sanjay Smaraka Library also felicitated the Padma Bhushan awardees. One of the best libraries in Kerala (Sanjayan Smaaraka Vaayana Saala), Poet laureate Sanjay Memorial Library trustees and the reader members gave a touching welcome to the Dhananjayans, sharing a proud moment in their life.  
  
reception at Annur Sanjay Smaraka Library
The Dhananjayans' colleagues
The Dhananjayans' colleagues share the Padma Bhushan honour with pride. These artistes,  classmates of the Dhananjayans, literally grew up in Kalakshetra. Kalakshetra has also grown with them. That period was the golden period of Kalakshetra when Rukmini Devi composed her best productions. All of them contributed much to the popularity of the Kalakshetra dance drama productions, especially the Ramayana series. The amazing camaraderie between them continue to be an inspirational phenomena for the younger generation of artistes, both in and outside Kalakshetra.