Clubwise: Bhavana Arts Society

Every week, we bring you the latest on the UAE's clubs, associations and groups. We choose one each time and profile it, highlighting its purpose and activities. We also bring you bits of news from other such groups. So that you know what is happening when, where and why. This week: Bhavana Arts Society

A melting pot of talented artists from Kerala in Dubai is what the Bhavana Arts Society would like to call itself. Established in 1984, it has become one of the most active cultural groups in the emirate.

"Many of our group members have proved their efficiency in performing arts of Kerala such as Ottamthullal, Kathakali, Oppana, Ivarkali, Thiruvathirakali, Kolkali, and Chenda Vadhyam in various competitions held here," says P.S. Chandran, president of the society.

Affiliated to the Indian Association, Dubai, members from the society has been taking part in various cultural programmes held by the Indian Embassy and the Indian Association.

There are about 70 members in this group, which meets once every month to chalk out various activities. Only a minimal membership fee is charged from anyone wishing to join the group.

Elaborating on other activities, Chandran says, "Bhavana takes pride in being the first to conduct poetry presentations and literary competitions in the UAE, where we invite talented people from the UAE to judge the highly competitive contests. The literary competitions are held every three months, and every time the response has been overwhelming."

Encouraging upcoming artists based in the Gulf has always been the motive behind all endeavours. "In most of our annual celebrations we always include a number of performances by talented children, who do not get a chance to showcase their talents otherwise," says K. Shivan Kutty Nair, general secretary of the society.

In an attempt to retain interest in the traditional art forms of Kerala among the Gulf Malayalees, most of these are regularly presented in their original forms at different venues in the UAE on occasions such as Onam, Eid and Christmas.

Besides raising cultural awareness among the people here, they also focus on participating in various social causes.

They have held fund-raising programmes in aid of the earthquake victims of Latur and Gujarat, and supported welfare programmes in India during the Kargil conflict.

There are also plans to set up a cancer ward in one of the reputable hospitals of Kerala in memory of two of their members, who succumbed to the ailment.

Says Chandran: "As a society we strive to achieve our aim of encouraging upcoming artistes and to spread the message of peace and love among fellow citizens. I believe we have managed that to a great extent."