Lalit Kala Kendra, nestled within the campus of Savitribai Phule Pune University is more than an institution; it’s a unique haven for the performing arts with its controversy video Ram Leela video now viral
Established in 1987, this institute, Lalit Kala Kendra is deeply connected to renowned playwright Satish Alekar. It has become a cradle for budding talents in music, dance, and theatre.
Savitribai Phule Pune University Ram Leela video by Lalit Kala Kendra goes viral amidst controversy
What sets Lalit Kala Kendra apart is its emulation of the Gurukul tradition of Indian arts. Students don’t merely attend classes; they reside with their instructors, immersing themselves in the essence of their chosen art form. Alekar’s vision was clear — he aimed to create a space where theatre, music, and dance coexist, providing students with a holistic platform to refine their artistic skills.
This is exactly when the scuffle broke out at Lalit Kala Kendra in Savitribai Phule Pune University.
Later A professor and five students of SPPU’s Lalit Kala Kendra were arrested.
Punekars, What do you think about this?pic.twitter.com/79gPvaDmPd
— Pune City Life (@PuneCityLife) February 4, 2024
The institute operates independently, ensuring affordable fees to facilitate admissions for students from distant parts of Maharashtra and India. This commitment to accessibility underscores Lalit Kala Kendra’s mission to democratize arts education and nurture talents from diverse backgrounds.
Alekar’s vision for the institute emphasized experimentation over rote learning. Lalit Kala Kendra is not confined to traditional classrooms; rather, it offers a dynamic learning environment. Classes take place under trees, over cups of tea, and within an amphitheatre constructed during Alekar’s tenure as director.
The colonial-era building, a relic from the British era, serves administrative purposes, reinforcing the unconventional and artistic spirit that defines the institute.
This is exactly when the scuffle broke out at Lalit Kala Kendra in Savitribai Phule Pune University.
Later A professor and five students of SPPU’s Lalit Kala Kendra were arrested.
Punekars, What do you think about this?pic.twitter.com/79gPvaDmPd
— Pune City Life (@PuneCityLife) February 4, 2024
Former and current students testify to the institute’s syllabus and teaching approach, which encourage both experimentation and immersive learning. The flexibility of the curriculum allows students to explore remote parts of the state to study rare art forms, with examinations based on these experiences.
Viva voce sessions delve into what students have learned throughout the year, promoting a reflective and practical understanding of their art.
BJYM Workers Vandalize #Fine Arts Center at Savitribai Phule #PuneUniversity pic.twitter.com/3dMrY3SdFD
— Punekar News (@punekarnews) February 3, 2024
Lalit Kala Kendra’s course duration and controversy
The Gurukul system at Lalit Kala Kendra involves a three-year journey where students earn degrees encompassing both theoretical and practical knowledge. Notably, Alekar served as the head of the centre until 2009, leaving a lasting impact on shaping a culture of continuous learning and exploration.
However, the institute found itself at the center of a controversy recently. Members of the Akhil Bharatiya Vidyarthi Parishad objected to a play, Ram Leela, staged as part of a student exercise at Lalit Kala Kendra.
The controversy escalated with the arrest and subsequent release on bail of the centre director, Pravin Bhole, and five students. The Bharatiya Janata Yuva Morcha (BJYM) protested outside the colonial-era building, defacing the signboard.
It’s crucial to understand that staging plays is an integral aspect of Lalit Kala Kendra’s curriculum for theatre students. These performances are not mere entertainment; they are an intrinsic part of the learning process.
The misunderstanding of the play’s purpose led to misconceptions and protests. The students emphasize that their performances are non-ticketed and are essential to their learning experience. Lalit Kala Kendra’s commitment to providing a dynamic and unconventional space for artistic expression sometimes collides with external perceptions and interpretations.