Sruthi UK, a renowned non-profit organisation with a mission to showcase the vibrant arts and culture of Kerala, is thrilled to announce its Annual Day celebrations, taking place at Leeds West Academy on Saturday, 12th April 2025.
Founded in 2005 by a creative collective originally from Kerala and now residing in the UK, Sruthi has been dedicated to cultivating a sense of home away from home for the Malayali diaspora. Promoting Kerala’s rich history of art and literature lies at the heart of Sruthi’s mission. Over the years, the organisation has not only achieved this goal but has surpassed it, drawing enthusiastic crowds from diverse backgrounds who eagerly attend its events.
This year’s celebration promises to build on Sruthi’s growing legacy, offering a spectacular programme of music, dance, and drama performed by Sruthi’s own members. Such an endeavour requires immense dedication, with committed members traveling across the country, rehearsing tirelessly, and bringing their passion to the stage to deliver a dazzling showcase that celebrates Kerala, fondly known as God’s Own Country.
The 2025 Annual Day will feature two distinguished guests: Geetha Padmakumar, an expert Kuchipudi maestro and choreographer, and Manu S. Pillai, an acclaimed author and historian.
Geetha Padmakumar brings her wealth of expertise in Kuchipudi, a classical dance form. Born into a family of artists, her journey in dance began at the age of five, laying the foundation for an illustrious career spanning over two decades. She has graced countless festival stages and received numerous accolades for her contributions to dance. Her focus lies in spreading awareness and fostering a deeper appreciation for the spirit of Kuchipudi. Despite challenges like the Covid-19 pandemic, her innovative teaching methods allowed her to reach students globally. Today, her Paadam School of Kuchipudi has disciples from Australia, the USA, the UK, the UAE, and across India. As the founder of this esteemed institution in Kerala, she continues to inspire many, and Sruthi is honoured to host her at this year’s event.
Popular historian Manu S. Pillai’s acclaimed debut book, The Ivory Throne, focusing on the Travancore monarchy, earned him the Indian literary honour, the Yuva Puraskar, in 2017. Most recently, he published the well-received Gods, Guns and Missionaries: The Making of the Modern Hindu Identity in 2024, adding to his already impressive bibliography. Manu S. Pillai’s career has garnered an impressive list of jobs, including Chief of Staff to Dr. Shashi Tharoor MP, working at the House of Lords and the BBC. His writings have received praise from a multitude of critics and earned appearances in The Hindu, Open Magazine, the Times of India, Hindustan Times, The New Statesman, and other publications. With a keen eye for the history of the subcontinent, Manu S. Pillai’s attendance of Sruthi’s Annual Day is set to heighten the celebratory nature of the event.
One response
More details will be appreciated.
Can non- members of Sruti can attend?
Will Manu Pillai will be delivering a talk? Will that be in English or Malayalam?
Charges?