News and pics: Yashodhara Bangera

Daijiworld Media Network – Mangaluru (EP)

Mangaluru, Jan 6: Well known classical dancer Vannadil Pudiaveetil Dhananjayan (V P Dhananjay) is selected for Alvas Virasat award. The award will be presented during 'Alvas Virasat 2017' national cultural festival that will be held in Moodbidri from January 13 to 15 under the aegis of Alvas Education Foundation.

Padma Vibhushan, Dr D Veerendra Heggade will set the Virasat programme that will be held at Puthige Vanajakshi K Sripati Bhat dais on January 13 in motion. Dr N Vinay Hegde will chair the inaugural programme. The award which will be presented to V P Dhananjay at the inauguration cmprises of Rs one lac cash and a certificate.

About V P Dhananjay:
V P Dhananjay was born in Payyanur a place well known for Ayurveda and Kathakali arts on April 30, 1939. His father was a teacher. He grew up in poverty being one among 8 children. His father's drama troupe had a tremendous influence on him. The troupe presented dramas during vacations and Dhananjay as a child wandered with the troupe to several villages and used to act apply make up on himself to perform in the programme.

Rukminidevi, producer of Madras Kalakshetra was on the lookout for a suitable Kathakali and Bharatanatyam dancer when she unexpectedly spotted the father of V P Dhananjay. He decided to make Dhananjay a dancer so that his burden to look after the children could become become light.

V P Dhananjay as a student had a hold on Sanskrit language and poetry. Being clever he was entitled for a scholarship during his studies. He became a famous male dancer in Kathakali and Bharatanatyam under the able guidance of Rukminidevi. He married well a known dancer Shanta and got known as Dhananjayan in the world of dance.

He has received the civil award Padmabhooshan and several awards from Kerala and Tamil Nadu governments and felicitations and honors from several groups and organizations.