Plan to develop Kuchipudi as a cultural heritage site

Krishna District Collector DK Balaji has instructed officials to develop detailed plans for the enhancement of Kuchipudi as a cultural heritage site within the state. This directive follows guidance from Chief Minister N Chandrababu Naidu to submit comprehensive developmental proposals and a Detailed Project Report (DPR) regarding the improvement of Kuchipudi, a matter discussed in a recent conference of collectors.
On Saturday, Collector Balaji, accompanied by Joint Collector Geetanjali Sharma and representatives from various government departments, held a strategic meeting at the Sri Siddendrayogi Kuchipudi Kala Peetham conference hall in Kuchipudi village, Movva Mandal, Pamarru constituency. The meeting commenced with a tribute to the statue of Sri Siddendra Yogi, led by the District Collector and Joint Collector. In line with the Swachh Andhra initiative, Collector Balaji unveiled and distributed cloth bags to attendees, promoting the use of eco-friendly alternatives to plastic bags.
During the meeting, Collector Balaji emphasised Kuchipudi’s rich cultural significance and the urgent need for its preservation and promotion. He described Kuchipudi as an ancient and invaluable art form, stressing that it is the collective responsibility of the district to protect and nurture it for future generations. He invited feedback from experts and stakeholders on strategies to elevate Kuchipudi’s prominence.
The Collector highlighted the existing affiliation of the Kuchipudi Kalapeetham with Sri Potti Sriramulu Telugu University. However, he noted that the university has not yet been fully divided following the bifurcation of the state, identifying this as an area requiring special attention. He proposed establishing a film exhibition and a museum to document the evolution of Kuchipudi from its inception to the present. Additionally, he emphasised the need to provide essential infrastructure for students travelling from remote areas, allowing them to stay at the Kalapeetham for extended periods to learn Kuchipudi dance.
Kuchipudi teacher Vedantham Venkata Naga Chalapathi Rao expressed his concerns about the stagnation in the village’s development. He suggested creating a tourism circuit connecting Srikakulam, Kuchipudi, Movva, and Ghantasala under a tourism package to stimulate economic growth in the region. He also proposed the establishment of a full-fledged university, a dedicated theatre, and a museum to support the expansion of Kuchipudi. Furthermore, he called for the introduction of short-term and long-term courses in Kuchipudi dance.
Chalapathi Rao highlighted the historical dominance of male dancers in Kuchipudi and advocated for initiatives encouraging male children from traditional Kuchipudi families to pursue this art form.
He also pointed out the financial opportunities available in manufacturing and exporting Kuchipudi dance attire and accessories. He noted that items such as dance costumes, leg braids, and papidi bills are being sent from Chennai to international markets, benefitting those regions economically. Training local women in these skills could help create a sustainable economic base for the Kuchipudi region.
In response, District Collector Balaji directed DRDA Project Director Hariharanath to develop a plan for providing skill training to women in the production of Kuchipudi dance-related accessories. He also instructed officials to create short-term and long-term courses at Kuchipudi Kalapeetham. Moreover, he emphasised the importance of improving essential infrastructure, including roads, sanitation, and other amenities, in Kuchipudi village.
The meeting saw the participation of several key officials and stakeholders, including DRO K Chandrasekhara Rao, Regional Director of Tourism YV Prasanna, Assistant Director Lajwantha Naidu, ZP Deputy CEO Anand Kumar, DPO Aruna, District Tourism Officer Ram Laxman, Kuchipudi Sarpanch Vijayalakshmi, Kuchipudi Kalakshetra Principal Dr Chinta Ravi Balakrishna, Sangeetha Natak Academy Hamsa Puraskar awardee Natyacharya Radhe Shyam, Natyacharya Vedantham Venkata Naga Chalapathi Rao, Tahsildar Mastan, EO PR & RD Paramatma, along with other officials and non-officials.