STUDENTS TUNE IN TO INDIAN CULTURE
Two Indian schools have made performing arts a compulsory subject in an effort to help children understand their heritage better |
Indian performing arts should be a compulsory subject across Indian schools in the UAE, an artist leading a campaign to preserve Indian culture said.
Jogiraj Sikidar, founder and director of Malhaar Centre for Performing Arts in Dubai, cautioned that a generation risks being alienated from classical Indian music and dance unless it is taught in schools.
Two Indian schools in Dubai — GEMS Heritage Indian School and GEMS Modern Academy – have already made the subject mandatory and, Sikidar said more are expected to follow.
At the two schools, a total of around 2,500 children from grade one to six are taking daily classes in vocals, dance or instrumental music, taught by teachers from Malhaar. Parents are not charged extra for the classes, Sikidar said.
He pointed out that as it takes years to learn the arts, children must be taught from an early age. “You have to make it a compulsory subject otherwise it will never happen; people will always treat it an as option or hobby,” he said.
Why it is important
Sikidar said besides the cultural value, performing arts help children use the brain’s “creative half”, build confidence and communication skills, increase their university admission prospects and even improve behaviour by teaching them anger management.
“With the way the world is moving, how artificial intelligence is taking over, these qualities will be most important when children grow up. Performing arts are no less important than, say, maths and science.”
KHDA-approved classes
The classes are approved by Dubai’s Knowledge and Human Development Authority (KHDA), Sikidar said.
Malhaar, in association with the schools, organises “internal exams” and awards certificates to students in grades one to three. Grades four and above take “external exams” and are certified by visiting examiners from widely recognised performing arts accrediting bodies in India and London, Sikidar said.
‘It’s working’
Darrly Bloud, executive principal of GEMS Heritage, said the school wanted to offer students a “unique” opportunity while also saving Indian performing arts from becoming “a lost cause”. He added that parents and students have welcomed
the subject, with some even asking for additional afterschool paid classes.
“I think it’s working... this has been a wonderful programme and what also makes me happy is that sometimes great maestros from India visit us through the programme. The children get to know them and learn from them,” Bloud said.
Students at Heritage have interacted with notable Indian artists such as santoor player Shivkumar Sharma, violinist Dr L. Subramaniam and singer Asha Bhosle. In April, Padma Vibhushan Pandit Birju Maharaj launched Malhaar’s flagship
You have to make it [Indian performing arts] a compulsory subject otherwise it will never happen; people will always treat it as a hobby.” Jogiraj Sikidar | Founder and director of Malhaar Centre for Performing Arts
integrated Indian performing arts programme, ‘Listen, Learn and Perform’, as a compulsory performing arts subject at Modern’s primary school and also conducted a master class.
Learning from the best
Pupils at GEMS Modern Academy are also learning from performing arts gurus and taking master classes. Toshiko Malhotra, Head of Primary, GEMS Modern Academy, said:
“GEMS Modern Academy strongly believes an appreciation of Indian classical music and dance, along with our well established western vocals and violin classes, will enhance our children’s perspective and holistic development.
“Students enjoy the sessions and we were surprised to see the interest of a large number of boys in Bharatanatyam. Special thanks to our parents for supporting the programme.”