Over the last 15 years, the landscape of collegiate performing arts has changed. South Asian dance and music teams are now commonplace, with most schools having several teams. There are numerous Bhangra, Raas, Fusion, and A Capella competitions and exhibitions across the country, dedicated to bringing together college students to share their talents and their culture with everyone. However, though
we have made great strides in promoting our culture through these various shows, there are only a handful of events dedicated to Classical Indian Arts. The captains of JHU Shakti saw this vacancy as an opportunity. In May of 2007, they came up with the concept to provide a venue for collegiate Classical Indian arts teams to come together and share the beauty of Classical Indian Arts with their peers and the residents of the surrounding community. As a result, Nritya Mala was born. In addition, Shakti wanted to raise awareness for child rights, specifically in India, and thus 100% of the proceeds from ticket sales from Nritya Mala went to Child Rights and You America (CRY), an Indian child relief organization. In November 2007, Nritya Mala's inaugural year, Shakti collected over $700 for CRY America, and this figure climbs every year. While the organizations that Nritya Mala has supported over the years has changed, the fundamental tenet of charitable collaboration does not. Being one of the first of its kind, Nritya Mala has garnered immense praise and support from its audience members and performers, and they have allowed Nritya Mala to grow and prosper. Encouraged by their support, Nritya Mala became a competition in 2012. Collegiate teams have the opportunity to perform for a panel of judges who will evaluate their traditionality, creativity, and technicality. JHU Shakti and the Nritya Mala Executive Board look forward to Nritya Mala's second year as a competition and hope that it will continue to grow and evolve as a means of bringing the Classical Indian Arts to the center of the collegiate stage.
