Sangeet Natak Akademi -
Sangeet Natak Akademi was reconstituted by the
Government as a society and registered under the Societies Registration Act of
1860 (as amended in 1957) on 11 September 1961.
Akademi coordinates and collaborates with the governments and art academies of different States and Territories of India as also with major cultural institutions in the country. The Akademi establishes and looks after institutions and projects of national importance in the field of the performing arts. The National School of Drama, set up in 1959, was the first of their two national institutions of dance --Jawaharlal
Nehru Manipur
Dance Academy
in Imphal and Kathak Kendra (National Institute of Kathak Dance) in New Delhi - were set up
in 1964 respectively. National Projects of Support to Kuttiyattam - the age-old
Sanskrit theatre of Kerala(2007) - Chhau dances of eastern India (1994) and Sattriya traditions of Assam
(2008) have been lauched subsequently. It organizes performances of music,
dance, and theatre. These centers provide training, organize new festivals
dedicated to these arts, support by way of research and documentation.
Akademi coordinates and collaborates with the governments and art academies of different States and Territories of India as also with major cultural institutions in the country. The Akademi establishes and looks after institutions and projects of national importance in the field of the performing arts. The National School of Drama, set up in 1959, was the first of their two national institutions of dance --
The
Akademi Awards are the highest national recognition conferred on eminent
artistes. The Akademi also confers Fellowships and Scholarship, their numbers
being restricted to 30 living recipients.
To subsidize the work of institutions engaged in teaching, performing or promoting music, dance, or theatre; the Akademi gives grants-in-aid for research, documentation, and publishing in the performing arts; organizes and subsidizes seminars and conferences of subject specialists; documents and records the performing arts for its audio-visual archive. As the apex body specializing in the performing arts of the country, the Akademi also renders advice and assistance to the Government of India in the task of formulating and implementing policies and programmes in the field. Additionally, the Akademi carries a part of the responsibilities of the state for fostering cultural contacts between various regions inIndia ,
and between India
and the world.
To subsidize the work of institutions engaged in teaching, performing or promoting music, dance, or theatre; the Akademi gives grants-in-aid for research, documentation, and publishing in the performing arts; organizes and subsidizes seminars and conferences of subject specialists; documents and records the performing arts for its audio-visual archive. As the apex body specializing in the performing arts of the country, the Akademi also renders advice and assistance to the Government of India in the task of formulating and implementing policies and programmes in the field. Additionally, the Akademi carries a part of the responsibilities of the state for fostering cultural contacts between various regions in
The Sangeet Natak Akademi is presently an Autonomous Body of the Ministry of
Culture, Government of India and is fully funded by the Government for
implementation of its schemes and programmes.
Based on General Performance Indicators (on frameworks laid down by IFACCA and Australian Cultural Engagement Framework) we can study SNA on Efficiency, Effectiveness, Economy and Equity to see how it has fared on these indicators- (based on the last three available annual reports of SNA of 2008-09, 2009-10, 2010-11)
Efficiency:
Clarity and scope of objective.
- The SNA’s Constitution reveals its sense of all-encompassing purpose. The Aims and objectives have total 15 pts of which 5 pts are dedicated solely to theatre.
- SNA gives Awards as tokens of recognition and acknowledgment to artists’ and their art. Cherian criticises the approach adopted by SNA of giving awards only to established names and says, (2009, pg. 47) “…Rotation, with two forms and its practitioners nominated every year decided the yearly awards. In 1954–1955 under the categories of Bharata Natyam and Kathak, the awardees were Smt. T. Balasaraswathi and Shri Shambhoo Maharaj. The following year (1955–1956) saw the recognition of Kathakali and Manipuri with Guru Kunju Kurup and Guru Amubi Singh given the prizes of ‘best dancers’ in these forms. In 1956–1957 it was the turn once again of Bharata Natyam and of Kathak, with Rukmini Devi Arundale, the founder of Kalakshetra, and Shri Baijnath Prasad adjudged awardees”.
- It was only in the year 2006 that Akademi also instituted Awards to young artists in the name of Ustad Bismillah Khan which are called “Ustad Bismillah Khan Yuva Puraskar.”
- National Folk Dance Festival was organized as a part of Republic Day celebrations from its inception. An annual award for best dance was also kept, it had to be stopped in 1964, as it led to intense competition by states. They were sending troupes who presented ‘choreographed’ folk dances by college students. (Vidyarthi, 1969).
- On the question of recognition of dance, Cherian (2009, pg. 48-49) points out, “Vis-à-vis dance, ‘recognition’ at this time was restricted to ‘four well-known styles of classical dancing’ – Bharata Natyam, Kathakali, Kathak and Manipuri. The Reports offer neither comment about processes of recognition, nor reasons why these forms were chosen from the spectrum of the nation’s fabled diversity of performance practices. Additionally, the Reports do not refer to any criteria that might have been used to delineate the classical, nor does it speak of attempts made to reconstruct the pre-Independence histories of these forms. In 1955, on the occasion of the SNA’s National Dance Festival, Balasaraswathi claimed that the State’s choice of classical idioms reflected an equal division of forms from the north and the south, with Bharata Natyam and Kathakali representing the south, and Kathak and Manipuri, the north and east. ..” Later on, based on the linguistic division of states, the dances also were appropriated by different states (Manipuri for Manipur, Odissi for Orissa, Bharat Natyam for Tamil Nadu, Kuchipudi for Andhra Pradesh and so on) and there was competition by different states to get the ‘official’ recognition.
- As the apex body specializing in the performing arts, the Akademi also renders advice and assistance to the Government of India in the task of formulating and implementing policies and programmes in the performing arts (Five Year Plan Proposals). Additionally, the Akademi carries a part of the responsibilities of the state for fostering cultural contacts between various regions in
- There is no suggestion in objectives of SNA for any welfare measures to be undertaken by the Akademi for artists’. Scheme for pension for artists’ was proposed (1977/78) along with Mediclaim (1995) replaced by aid for artists’ (2007).
Strength of - project document / Schemes
· SNA is government funded institute for promotion of performing arts in India London
· Starting with 4th Five year Plan they have been getting different grants for special schemes like- Survey of folk music, folk dance and folk drama of India (1964), fellowship scheme for special training in music, dance and drama (1967/68), promotion and preservation of rare forms of traditional performing arts (1975-76) and ten rare art forms selected by a committee for support and assistance(1977-78). Scheme for development of Tribal culture (1979/80). Proposal was made in 7th Five year Plan for special funds for least cared for states’/ regions to address regional cultural imbalance (1984-85) and Support was extended to Kuttiyattam and Chhau, under a Plan scheme for development of national centres for specialized training in dance, drama and music (1994/95). North East centre in Shillong on 20 Aug, 2008 was established for the purpose of preserving the traditional and folk performing art traditions of the entire North East.
· Medi-claim policy for artists’ and awardees was proposed along with financial assistance to awardees in 1994-95 which was discontinued in 2007 and replaced by artists’ aid fund.
Effectiveness:
Implementation and Managerial arrangements:
- Post of Chairman earlier went to famous personalities, Royals like Maharaja of Mysore (1962), PM Indira Gandhi (1966), J J Bhabha (1994/95), artists’ Girish Karnad (1988Bhupen Hazarika (1998/99), Sonal Mansingh (2002/03), etc.
- The choice of Chairman is an appointee of the government in power, if the govt changes, it can also lead to a change of Chairman, who could be replaced by a politician, bureaucrat, or an artist. Chairperson Sonal Mansingh’s tenure was marred by controversy, being a NDA appointee, she was replaced by UPA govt by appointing former Union Minister Ram Niwas Mirdha (2005). Artistes resigned from SNA’s General Council against her style of functioning and labelled her as autocratic.
- Awarding its own- When Sangeet Natak Akademi (SNA) sent out its press release, announcing its fellowship for eminent musician and scholar Shanno Khurana, it did not mention that she is a member of its executive board (EB). Nor did it say that her name had been proposed and rejected for the last three years — that is since this general council had been elected. (TOI, 2003/04/01).
Economy (Based on an analysis of annual reports- 2008-09, 2009-10, and 2010-11)
- The section on ‘Promotional Activity through Media’, consistently shows no expenditure since 2008-09 till 2010-11.
- Grant in aid to institutions- Although most grants were given in 2009-10 (469), but North East grant was most in 2010-11 (1059.50 lakhs). In terms of grants to institutions to different states, W.Bengal has always been ahead, followed by Orissa and J&K in all the three years. Most expenditure (Rs.388,644,209.64)by SNA was in the year 2010-11, followed by 2008-09. (Probably due to the festivals, Centanaries, Commonwealth Games, etc.)
- On survey, Research and Documentation- most expenditure (Rs.14,234,714) by SNA was in the year 2010-11. In 2009-10 SNA spent just 4,221,240. Least amount was spent in 2009-10 on research (58,750). Most was spent on research in performing arts (538,600) in 2010-11.
- In terms of cultural exchanges abroad and in India 2010-11 (Rs.19,812,891)and 2008-09 were very busy. SNA spent a big amount with an increase of almost triple the amount from 2009-10 (Rs.7,588,791) but, still more than 2008-09 (Rs.11,968,594). 2008-09 was the busiest year for SNA followed closely by 2010-11 in terms of festivals and programs in
- SNA Centers- In 2008, Kathak Kendra had the highest expenditure (Rs. 20,128,128). JNMDA saw an almost triple increase in expenditure from 2008-09 to 2010-11 (Rs. 49,288,740 from Rs. 14,736,037) . Kutiyattam Kendra had most expenditure in 2008-09 (Rs.11,165,836.). Sattriya Kendra also shows a slow increase in expenditure up to 2010 - 11(Rs.11,457,644.25 )
Equity:
Intersocial equity (Among socio-economic groups & Inclusive of socially marginal communities)
- Two national institutions of dance — Jawaharlal Nehru Manipur Dance Academy in Imphal and Kathak Kendra (National Institute of Kathak Dance) in New Delhi— were set up in 1954 and 1964 respectively. National Projects of Support to Kutiyattam, the age-old Sanskrit theatre of Kerala, to Chhau dance of eastern
- Further, the Akademi has also set up its North East Centre in Shillong on 20 August 2008 for the purpose of preservation of traditional and folk performing art and traditions of entire North East. In 2002-03, For cultural development, North-East was given 121.21 lakhs in funds.
- Mediclaim policy replaced by Artist aid fund. In 2010-11 SNA spent most in the three years Rs. 2,567,165. 2)
Interspacial Equity (Urban-Rural/ Overcoming a metro centricism)
- To avoid the
- SNA subsidizes and co-ordinates cultural exchanges of select groups/individual artists between various states and UTs. Financial responsibility between SNA and the states is at 1:1 ratio. But, for J&K, North Eastern states and
Intergenerational Equity (Development of skill among youth through Artists in Residence initiatives and Workshops with artists, Creating future audiences through appreciation of dance)
- Ustad Bismillah Khan Yuva Puraskar for young artists below 35 years of age, amount of award was Rs. 25000 for 33 artists’ every year.
- On Young Artists’ Most expenditure by SNA was in the year 2010-11, followed by 2008-09. Least amount was spent in 2009-10.
- On training and preservation of traditional folk and tribal performing arts Rs. 4,718,989 were spent in 2010-11.
- On Assistance and support to Contemporary and experimental works of music, dance and drama- SNA spent nothing in 2010-11. In 2009-10 Rs. 355,440 and 2008-09 Rs.3,932,876.
We can also study the timeline of SNA to map the major events since its inception that changed or impacted SNA -
Year
|
Sangeet Natak Akademi
|
1953-58
1958-59
1961-62
1963-64
1964-65
1965-66
1966-67
1967-68
1972-73
1973-74
1974-75
1975-76
1977-78
1978-79
1979-80
1982-83
1984-85
1988-89
1990-91
1991-92
1994-95
1998-99
1999-2000
2000-‘01
2001-‘02
2002-03
2004-05
2005-06
2006-07
2007-08
2008-09
2009-10
2010-11
|
It was started in 4A-Jangpura,
National Dance Festival was organized in 1955. Awards were
given to Kathakali, Manipuri, Kathak and Bharatnatyam. (Akademi also gave
awards to films).
There were only 8 Akademies to start with- Andhra,
Manipur dance Institute and Asian Theatre institute were being
run by Akademi. Akademi granted financial assiatance to its affiliated and
recognized institutions for, a) imparting higher education and training in
dance, drama and music (included films), b) for purpose of research and
survey and c) for publication of important works in music, dance, drama and
films.
200 institutes all over
National Folk Dance Festival was organized as a part of
Republic Day celebrations from its inception. An annual award for best dance
was also kept. It worked with Ministry of Education (under which Ministry of
Culture came) and ICCR for organizing functions for foreign dignitaries and
for foreign festivals and programs abroad.
NSD was set up in 1958 and merged with UNESCO sponsored
Asian Theatre institute.
In 1958, SNA organized a Seminar on Dance which lasted
nine days. An expert committee was set up to go into the question of Akademi
awards, to guide the Akademi, to advice whether present classification should
continue or should there be any further or any basis for classification.
Committee which met in December1958, was of the view that
it would be more useful to give grant for the setting up and conducting of
schools and develop them, rather than to make any awards at that stage. Committee
held the view that a detailed questionnaire be prepared and data collected on
about the different forms being practiced in different regions in the
country. Executive Board agreed on gathering material for comprehensive
classification of all dance forms prevalent in the country. This
classification, however, need not be pursued for the purpose of awards. It
further recommended to the General Council that in order to obviate any
controversy as to the status of any of the schools of dance, the following
two categories be added to the present categories- traditional Dance Forms
and Modern Indian Dance.
In March, 1959, in
the meeting of Regional Akademies, Chairman expressed the view that it would be desirable to get Akademi
registered under the Societies Registration Act, 1860. Chairman also said it
was necessary to have a survey of various art forms in respective regions, to
prepare- a directory of institutions, and who’s who of Indian artists’. State
Akademies were asked to adopt a definitive policy for organization of
regional festivals of music, dance and drama (including folk forms).
Old SNA was dissolved by Government of India and Akademi
was registered under the Societies Registration Act, 1860 as a society.
Maharaja of
Due to war with
In order to make realistic estimates for 4th
Five year Plan, secretary in Ministry of education, asked secretary of
Akademi to formulate some broad proposals for the development of Akademi as
well as proposals for a 15 year period.
General Council in its meeting on 18th August,
1964 formed a sub-committee with Venkatraman Aiyar as Chairman to examine the
proposals. The government, meanwhile allocated SNA a sum of Rs. 25lakhs. The
sub-committee suggested that this amount should be used for following
purposes-
a) Survey of folk music, folk dance and folk drama of
India (3lakhs per year, Rs. 15 lakhs during the Plan); b) Research unit for
study of science of music (Rs. 1lakh per year, Rs. 5lakh during Plan); c)
Taking over and maintainance of houses and monuments associated with music,
dance and drama and of historic importance. (Rs. 50,000 per year, Rs. 2.50
lakhs during Plan); and d) Development of SNA Museum (Rs. 50,000 per year,
Rs. 2.50 lakhs during Plan).
Kathak Kendra was established in 1964.
Maharaja of
In the course of year, the overall allocation was reduced
to 22.50 lakh by the government. These remained the same- a) Survey of folk
music, folk dance and folk drama of
Executive Board set up a committee which decided on number
of awards (4 for dance) and
To the above three points of the Plan - a) Survey of folk
music, folk dance and folk drama of India, b) Research unit for study of
science of music and c)Development of SNA Museum was added- d) fellowship
scheme for special training in music, dance and drama, with extra money which
was to be carried out on a year to year basis.
KPS Menon earlier Vice- Chairman was appointed the
Chairman of SNA.
Last year of the Plan but Akademi proposed to continue
with the schemes. National Folk Dance Ensemble established with Zohra Sehgal
as Director.
Chairman’s note at the start of the Annual Report
mentioned financial difficulties due to which some schemes were shelved.
Alkazi resigned as head of NSD, which led to NSD becoming
independent and being registered as society in 1975.
Schemes continued through Fifth Plan-a) Documentation,
Research and building u of Archives, b) Research unit in the science of
music, c) fellowship scheme for special training in music, dance and drama,
d) promotion and preservation of rare forms of traditional performing arts,
e) ballet unit and publication of handbooks attached to Kathak Kendra, f)
ballet unit and publication of handbooks – JMDA, Imphal, g) repertory company
of NSD.
New Chairman Kamaladevi Chattopadhyay and Vice Chairman
Kapila Vatsayayan proposed re-evaluation of SNA’s functions with reference to
objectives and priorities. Rules were amended to provide representation to
all states and UTs. Also, General Council representative on Executive Board
increased from 9 to 11. Young blood to be given more representation. Ten rare
art forms selected by a committee for support and assistance. New General
Council was constituted.
Scheme for pension for artists’ was proposed.
Department of Culture started scheme on inter-state
exchange of culture. Pan schemes continued, plus development of Tribal
culture was added to it.
Under new Chairman Dr. Narayan Menon, SNA actively participated
in cultural programs in festival of India (UK), Asian Games,
Proposal was made in 7th Five year Plan for
special funds for least cared for states’/ regions to address regional
cultural imbalance. Promotion of grants’ to individuals, and policy to give
large grant to few institutions rather than few grant to large numbers.
Akademi started presenting awards outside
New Chairman appointed Girish Karnad. Dissolution of
Akademi, and new General Council formed in 1988.
India International festival of Dance was organized by SNA
from 8-25 Dec. 1990, in which 23 countries participated. Symposiums,
workshops, performances, etc. were arranged too.
Medi-claim policy for artists’ and awardees was proposed
along with financial assistance to awardees.
New Chairman Jamshed J Bhabha appointed. Support was
extended to Kuttiyattam and Chhau, under a Plan scheme for development of
national centres for specialized training in dance, drama and music.
Under new Chairman Bhupen Hazarika, festival of South Asian music and Dance was organized.
Review committee was formed to review working of Kathak
Kendra which submitted its report to Executive Board in 1997, to General
Council in 1998 and to MOC, Government of India.
Programme was organized in support of artists’ affected by
Orissa cyclones.
Kargil Vijay Diwas along with fifty years’ of Republic was
celebrated with Swarnotsav festivals. Khajuraho and Konark dance festivals
were organized as well.
Uday Shankar
centenary samarohs were organized.
Golden Jubilee was celebrated of Akademi with various
programs.
New Chairman Sonal Mansingh was appointed. For cultural
development, North-East was given 121.21 lakhs in funds.
For the first time World Dance Day was celebrated with other
leading dance institutes of
Ram Niwas Mirdha was appointed as Chairman replacing Sonal
Mansingh in June, 2005 while Panikkar continued as Vice Chairman.
Akademi instituted Ustad Bismillah Khan Yuva Puraskar for
young artists below 35 years of age, amount of award was Rs. 25000 for 33
artists’ every year.
International
Kathak Festival was celebrated in
Akademi inaugurated Kutiyattam Kendra in Thiruvananthapuram
on 27th May, 2007. SNA also sponsored Delhi International Arts
Festival by Prasiddha Foundation and presented programs of classical dance
from 16-29 Dec. 2007.
On 23 Oct, 2007 Mediclaim scheme was replaced with Artists
Aid Fund.
Akademi set up the Sattriya Kendra at
Due to Ram Niwas Mirdha’s demise, Ratan Thiyam elected
Vice Chairman the same year, looked after the Akademi’s workings.
Vadya Darshan –Tableau on musical instruments of
Leela Samson was appointed as Chairman of the Akademi on
10th Aug, 2010. After Thiyam’s resignation, Shanta Serbjeet Singh
was elected as Vice Chairman on 16Mar. 2011.
In 2011, Ministry
of Culture appointed SNA as nodal agency for co-ordinating
|
References-
Cherian, Anita, 2009, Institutional Maneuvers,
Nationalizing Performance,Delineating Genre: Reading the Sangeet Natak Akademi
Reports 1953–1959 , Third Frame: Literature,
Culture and Society Vol.
2, No. 3, July–September, 32–60
Vidyarthi,
Govind, 1969, The Republic Day Folk Dance Festival, SNA Journal No.12, April
to June, 74-84
Hall,
Fernau, 1966, Dance at the Commonwealth
Arts Festival, SNA Journal No.2, April, 43-62.
SNA
Annual Reports
This research on SNA was a part of WRAP (Working in Research and Policy) project for GATI. I would like to thank my colleague Manjari Kaul for her inputs and comments.
This comment has been removed by a blog administrator.
ReplyDelete