Classical dancers from Kannur steal the show

THRISSUR: The opening day of the 52nd State School Youth Festival witnessed the domination of students from Kannur district in the classical dance category. Devika Sajeevan (St Teresa’s AIHS S, Kannur) and Architha Anishkumar (Kadambur Higher Secondary, Kannur) bagged top honours in mohiniyattam and kuchipudi, respectively.
In the bharatanatyam event for the high school students, Devika finished third, as well.  Both Devika and Architha, disciples of noted classical dance exponent Kalamandalam Leelamani, will be seen in action in the bharatanatyam and Keralanadanam events as well. Leelamani’s four more disciples are yet to perform in upcoming  bharatanatyam and Keralanadanam events, including in the men’s category.
It was Sharmistha’s dramatic story that Devika presented on the stage. As per Hindu mythology, Sharmistha was the daughter of the demon king Vrishparva. She wished to marry king Yayati, but when he got married with her friend Devayani, she agreed to become her maid. Architha’s performance was based on ‘ashtapadi’ (hymns on Lord Krishna).
“This is the first time I’m getting a first prize in kuchuppudi. I had secured first prizes in mohiniyattam and bharatanatyam in the previous years. This time, trained hard and my efforts paid off,” said Architha.
A 10th standard student, Devika won first prize in bharatanatyam and second prize in kuchipudi in the last edition of the festival. Architha, a Plus-Two student, too emerged winner in mohiniyattam and bharatanatyam in the previous two editions of the fete.
“When Devika bagged first prize for mohiniyattam at the Kannur district youth festival, some people tried to  manhandle the judges, accusing them of fudging the results. But where are they now,” asked Leelamani.
“It is proved that merit would be the ultimate winner,” she added.