In a significant move, the Kerala Kalamandalam, a deemed university for arts and culture, has made a historic decision to lift gender restrictions on learning Mohiniyattam.
Unanimous Decision in Governing Council Meeting
The decision to allow all genders to enroll in the Mohiniyattam course was made unanimously during the governing council meeting of the Kalamandalam held on Wednesday.
Admission Open from Next Academic Year
Starting from the next academic year, the admission for the Mohiniyattam course will be open to all individuals regardless of gender.
Triggered by Controversy and Criticism
The decision came following a controversy involving dancer Kalamandalam Sathyabhama, who made derogatory racial/casteist remarks against dancer R.L.V. Ramakrishnan.
Performance by Mr. Ramakrishnan at Kalamandalam
A Mohiniyattam performance by Mr. Ramakrishnan was arranged at the Koothambalam of Kalamandalam by the Kalamandalam Students Union.
Swift Response after Performance
The decision to allow boys to join the Mohiniyattam course was made swiftly, the day after Mr. Ramakrishnan’s performance at Kalamandalam.
Opportunities for Learning Extended
Kalamandalam now provides the opportunity for individuals to learn Mohiniyattam up to the PG level without gender restrictions.
Criticism and Legal Actions
Sathyabhama’s racist/casteist comments faced criticism from various quarters across the State. Legal actions have been initiated against her by the Kerala State Human Rights Commission and State SC/STs commission.
Complaint Lodged by Mr. Ramakrishnan
Mr. Ramakrishnan lodged a complaint with the Chalakudy police against Sathyabhama for insulting him with racist and casteist comments. The complaint will be transferred to the capital as the incident occurred in Thiruvananthapuram, according to the Chalakudy police.
Multiple Choice Questions (MCQs):
- What historic decision did Kerala Kalamandalam make regarding Mohiniyattam?
- A) It restricted enrollment to only females.
- B) It lifted gender restrictions on learning Mohiniyattam.
- C) It banned Mohiniyattam performances.
- D) It imposed stricter rules for Mohiniyattam dancers.
- Answer: B) It lifted gender restrictions on learning Mohiniyattam.
- When was the decision to allow all genders to enroll in the Mohiniyattam course made?
- A) On Monday
- B) On Tuesday
- C) On Wednesday
- D) On Thursday
- Answer: C) On Wednesday
- What triggered the decision to lift gender restrictions on Mohiniyattam learning?
- A) A controversy involving Kalamandalam Sathyabhama
- B) A performance by R.L.V. Ramakrishnan
- C) A government directive
- D) A change in university policy
- Answer: A) A controversy involving Kalamandalam Sathyabhama
- What legal actions were taken against Sathyabhama?
- A) She was fined by the university.
- B) She was suspended from Kalamandalam.
- C) Cases were initiated against her by Human Rights and SC/STs commissions.
- D) She was given a warning.
- Answer: C) Cases were initiated against her by Human Rights and SC/STs commissions.