VP Dhananjayan's ‘108 letters to the Editor’ book released

October 8, 2012

Bharatanatyam Guru VP Dhananjayan's latest addition to his publications was jointly launched by Hamsadhwani and Bharatakalanjali in Chennai. ‘108 letters to the Editor’ is a book with a difference (unedited version of his letters published and not published). US Consul General Jennifer A McIntyre released the book and the first copy was received by Dr. Anita Ratnam. Ms McIntyre remarked, "Though I expected a book on art subjects, an artiste's purview of politics and social issues including the American gun culture was a surprise to me. I appreciate artistes like Dhananjayan, who take interest in public affairs too."

Receiving the first copy, Anita Ratnam commented that the subject matter of the book is no surprise to her, having known him and his outspoken nature for long. She further added, "He is an inspiration for all of us Bharatanatyam dancers, who pioneered group choreography in Bharatanatyam from the inception of Bharatakalanjali."

Sundar Ramachandran (Secty, Hamsadhwani) while felicitating, recalled his father Ramachandran (founder of Hamsadhwani, fondly known as ARC) and KS Mahadevan's words that a truthful politician like Dhananjayan should represent artistes in the Parliament (MP) and be a Minister for Culture. Lalitha Venkat, who edited this book, was felicitated by Shanta Dhananjayan.

The book release function was preceded with Aikya-Bhaaratam - crisp and colourful folk dances spanning Punjab to Tamilnadu and Gujarat to West Bengal, as well as classical dances. Following the meticulously conducted function by Tulsi Badrinath (writer and senior alumni of Bharatakalanjali), about 80 young children presented a variety of group dances entertaining nearly 1000 onlookers gathered in the Indira Nagar Youth hostel, on the cloudy Sunday evening of 30 September.