Guru Ketaki Ghanekar: Nurturing the Art of Bharatnatyam through Nrityam School of Dance

Since its inception in 2012, Nrityam School of Dance has been a beacon of traditional Indian classical dance in the Kansas City community. Founded by the esteemed Guru Ketaki Ghanekar, the school is dedicated to passing down the rich heritage and intricate skills of Bharatnatyam to the next generation.

For those interested in learning this beautiful dance form, contact Nrityam at nritya.natyam@gmail.com or by phone at 913-333-7570.

Celebrating Guru Purnima: Honoring Our Teachers and Guides

Guru Purnima is a deeply revered and ancient festival that honors teachers and spiritual guides, celebrated by millions across India and the world. This auspicious day falls on the full moon (Purnima) in the Hindu month of Ashadha (June-July). It is a time when students and disciples express their gratitude and seek blessings from their gurus—those who have illuminated their path with wisdom and knowledge.

For the Indian diaspora in Kansas City, Guru Purnima is an opportunity to connect with cultural roots and participate in traditional rituals. It’s a day to remember the significant role that teachers and mentors play in shaping our lives, whether they are spiritual leaders, academic instructors, or anyone who has provided guidance and inspiration.

But Guru Purnima isn’t just for those with Indian heritage. It’s a universal celebration of respect and appreciation for those who impart knowledge and wisdom. It transcends cultural boundaries, offering a chance for everyone to reflect on the mentors in their own lives and to celebrate the spirit of learning and guidance.

In Kansas City, the Hindu Temple of Kansas City and other local establishments often host special events and celebrations for Guru Purnima. These events include prayer ceremonies, cultural performances, and communal meals, providing a wonderful opportunity for both the Indian community and those curious about Indian traditions to come together and celebrate.

Join us this Guru Purnima to honor and appreciate the teachers and guides who have made a difference in your life. Look for celebrations at the Hindu Temple of Kansas City and other local venues, and immerse yourself in this beautiful tradition of gratitude and reverence.

Stay connected with KCdesi.com for updates on local events and celebrations. Let’s come together to celebrate the spirit of Guru Purnima in Kansas City!

For a list of all upcoming Desi Events in KC – bookmark this page: https://kcdesi.com/upcoming-events/

07/15 – High School Students – Elevate Your College Essay – 2 Weeks Workshop July 15th

Akshay Ramanathan writes award-winning essays for college applications. He’s offering students in Overland Park an exclusive opportunity to join his two-week summer program in July called “Elevate Your Essay.”

Click here to learn more about this opportunity

This class is packed with secret insights and valuable strategies critical to college admission. It provides a cost-effective way to apply to colleges, considering not just the essay, but the whole application. Akshay’s students have been accepted at Harvard, Cornell, NYU, University of Chicago, Columbia, University of Mass Amherst, and more.

Akshay shares the methods he used to win the Rama Scholarship for the American Dream. This scholarship only for South Asian students, helped him earn two degrees at New York University.

He has 15 years of experience as a marketing executive and start-up founder, in addition to being a career coach. Professionals from companies like Bloomberg, Goldman Sachs, IBM, Amazon, McKinsey & Company, Google, and Deloitte seek his advice.

Click here to learn more about how you can join the “Elevate Your Essay” program and improve your chances of winning scholarships and gaining admission to top colleges.

You’ll also get helpful tips for college and career success, as well as invitations to free webinars, educational programs, and upcoming information sessions. Sign up today!

Program Schedule

The program runs from July 15th to Wednesday July 31st, with sessions on Mondays and Wednesdays from 1:00 PM to 3:00 PM.

Click here to learn more about this opportunity

? Here’s what folks have said about working with Akshay:

“Thanks to Akshay I got into University of Delaware, University of Rhode Island, University of Massachusetts Amherst, Stony Brook, Sacred Heart, and UVM and they all gave me scholarship money of about $100,000 for all 4 years!!!”

  • Ananya Kumar (Senior At Glastonbury High School)

“Akshay helped us tremendously during the college application process. His expertise is invaluable and he passionate about his work. Our daughter reaped the benefits by breezing through every deadline needed, absolutely stress-free, and with an air of confidence.”

  • Dr. Sulakshana Sundaresan (Dentist/Partner at Smile Dental Group)

Kansas City Music Lovers Enchanted by Pandit Ronu Majumdar’s Mesmerizing Flute Concert

Kansas City Music Lovers Enchanted by Pandit Ronu Majumdar’s Mesmerizing Flute Concert

Kansas City, June 8th 2024 – The Kansas City music community, under the banner of the Association of Bengalis Kansas City Sangam, was honored to host the legendary flute maestro Pandit Ronu Majumdar. The highly anticipated concert took place at Goppert Theatre, Avila University, and was an unforgettable evening filled with divine melodies and soulful performances.

Panditji commenced the evening with a beautiful composition in Raga Saraswati, captivating the audience from the first note. Performing alongside him was his son, Hrishikesh, a role model for the younger generation pursuing Indian classical music. The concert also featured compositions in Ragas Khamaj and Kedar, showcasing the depth and versatility of Panditji’s musicianship. Accompanying them on the tabla was the immensely talented Subhajyoti Guha, whose rhythms perfectly complemented the enchanting flute.

Panditji imparted wisdom to the audience, saying, “It is not important how well or how fast you are playing. How sensibly you are playing makes you a great musician.”

The second half of the concert explored different genres of Indian music, including Rabindra sangeet, Bhatiyali, Kirtan, and folk. Panditji shared his rich musical journey, recalling his collaborations with the legendary Bollywood music composer and singer R. D. Burman. He dedicated a part of the concert to songs from their time together, with local percussion artist Siddharth Choudhury joining on Cajon and other percussion instruments.

The evening concluded with a Marathi devotional song, Abhang, leaving the audience in awe. Throughout the two-and-a-half-hour event, Panditji entertained and engaged the audience with stories behind many of his great compositions, created alongside various legendary music composers.

The audience was completely enchanted and remained glued to their seats until the very end, mesmerized by the ethereal music. This concert was an extraordinary experience that will be cherished by all who witnessed it in person.