Fine arts have the magical power to transpose and transform a human from a mundane into a transcendental being with a pure soul. Unfortunately, for many centuries in the South India fine arts was inaccessible to the most people, especially the underprivileged. Any effort made by the latter to learn, leave alone master fine arts, was met with strong opposition, discouragement, and even insults. This led to a lacuna in the otherwise unique and rich Dravidian culture, resplendent with sixty four vibrant fine art forms.

K. Ravindra, SJ

The author is Director of Kaladarshini Fine Arts Institute, Andhra Loyola College, Vijayawada, and also the Province Coordinator for the Communication Commission.