Dr. Neena Prasad is a rare blend of strong footing in academic study and the fine aesthetic sense of a performing artist. She had undergone rigorous training is four different classical styles – Mohiniyattam, Bharatanatyam, Kuchipudi and Kathakali from Kalamandalam Suganthi and Kalamadalam Kshemavathy, Guru Adyar K Lakshman, Guru Vempati Chinnasatyam and Vembayam Appukkuttan Pillay respectively. Her performances have won much appreciation in the country’s artistic circuits and she has also been the recipient of the prestigious awards from the Kerala Sangeetha Academy, Mayilpeeli Puraskaram,and Madras Music Academy.

She is the foremost representative of Mohiniyattam in the major and prestigious Dance Festivals in India and abroad. She is an empanelled artist of ICCR of the established category and a Top Grade artist of Doordarshan. Among many other professional activities she engages in, she is a faculty and guide for research scholars and a member of the Board of Studies in many Universities. She headed the research department at the Kerala Kalamandalam and she has also been a member of selection committee for awarding research scholarships and fellowships at the Department of Culture, Government of India. Dr Neena Prasad has ventured to choreograph many items both of the Margam and Group/ thematic presentations to widen the repertoire of Mohiniyatam. She has established two institutions - Bharatanjali – Academy of Indian Classical Dances at Thiruvananthapuram and Sougandhika Center for Mohiniyattam, Chennai, where she continues her research pursuits and teaching responsibilities.

Presentation

SAKHYAM

Through the epochs of Hindu mythology, the relationship between Nara and Narayana was that of Savior and Servant. Then in Dwapara Yuga, this relationship was humanized and redefined through the lives of Krishna and Arjuna.

Krishna met Arjuna in his adolescent years. Beyond the fascade of a warrior brimming with potential, Krishna saw him as he was, a sensitive, honest young man of pure intent. He immediately recognized him as his chosen disciple who will in time become the portal of his philosophy.

Krishna became Arjuna’s friend, philosopher and guide. He became Arjuna’s charioteer in the great battle of Mahabharata. Symbolically, Krishna had always assumed the role of charioteer right through Arjuna’s life, guiding him through his trials and tribulations and steering him to the path of dharma. Krishna was never the dictating God. Instead, he presented to Arjuna the pros and cons of every situation, leaving him to make the ultimate decision.

Krishna’s and Arjuna’s relationship was one that bridged the gap between the Human and Divine. God became more Human and the Human became more Godlike.
Even at the juncture when Krishna prepares to leave his mortal body, his mind turns to only one person – his dear departed soulmate Arjuna. Krishna had fulfilled his destiny through Arjuna and Arjuna through Krishna. Theirs was a friendship that transcended time. Theirs was the most beautiful and intimate of relationships possible between the mortal and immortal – a shining beacon to all of humanity.