Youth Development

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Project Funding

This project was fully sponsored by me. However, no amount of cash was needed to visit the Temple of Fine Arts but as a source of donation I contributed a small amount as they were really sweet and pleasant throughout my visit.

Project Flow

- Before Project Work

I went on the website of the Temple of Fine Arts(TFA) Malaysia, http://www.tfa.org.my/#!home.html , and got their number to arrange and get the criteria as well as permission to proceed with my project. Miss Anushka, the receptionist was a very humble person and explained patiently to me about all the criteria. There was not much of a criteria though but I had to finalize a day to visit. Coincidently, there was also a Hindu festival going on during the time known as Navratri (a 10 days festival), and it’s a major celebration in the Temple of Fine Arts. She advised me to pick a day where I not only get to learn about the Temple of Fine Arts but also about the festival.

After much thoughts, I decided to pay a visit to the Temple of Fine Arts on a Friday night, 22nd September and Saturday the 23rd September 2017.

- During Project Work

I went to TFA in brickfields, Jalan Berhala, around 5.30 pm in the evening. Upon reaching, I headed to the reception counter and Miss Anushka had been expecting me. She started off by introducing me to a few teachers whom were in the office at that time. To my surprise, the youngest trained classical dance teacher is 24 years old and has already performed various times on the International Stage. One of the teachers even trained dancers whom performed during the opening of SEA Games that were recently held in Malaysia.

As we walked floor by floor, Miss Anushka showed me the classrooms and explained to be the various dance classes they offer in TFA. It as quite interesting and well as the prices are very reasonable. Watching kids as young as 3-4 years old singing and dancing so well caught my heart. She said, ‘its best learn from young, as they grow older they complete all stages.’ She herself had been a classical singer in TFA for the past 10 years.

Next, we went to the Shatanand Auditorium which is on the 2nd floor of the 5 story building where the festival of Navratri is celebrated. For all the 10 days, prayers are held at 7.30 followed by various performances every day. It was such a wonderful and colorful experience. On that Friday, I experienced Bollywood dance, Kathak by minors, yoga performance, and Karnatic vocal followed by closing prayers.

On Saturday 23rd September 2017, after the usual 7.30 prayers, the performances I experienced were contemporary dance, Hindustani vocal, Sitar, Bhangra and Kuchipudi dance followed by the closing prayers.

After the closing prayers, there is offerings, known as prasadam, served to all audiences and performers. Miss Anushka accompanied me for both the days and even introduce me to a few performers.

As I left on Saturday, I thank her for her hospitality and handed her a small amount of donation for TFA.

Conclusion

In conclusion, this project was done with the motive to educate myself with the artistic cultural arts that have been forgotten. Despite the traditions not being so well known, I was quite amazed to see not only Indians study at The Temple of Fine Arts but there were also mix races students studying the classical arts.

Their dedication and discipline towards TFA has certainly made me realize how beautiful classical and modern art can be. I have realized the importance of upholding our culture and traditions within this modern society. I personally would love to join TFA and experience this beauty myself.

Appendix

[pic 2]

Dancers dancing on Kathak.

[pic 3] Dancer’s performing on Bhangra.

[pic 4]

One of the Bollywood dancers.

[pic 5]

Table players playing Tabla.

[pic 6]

Dancers performing on Kuchipudi.

[pic 7]

A picture with one of Bhangra dancers.