Mohiniyattam exponent and well-known artiste Sampreetha Keshavan wears
several hats. She is not only a dancer. Her poetry was also suitably rewarded if one goes by the number of literary awards that have been bestowed on her.
Talking to her, one cannot miss the elegance she carries in her voice and words. Her works, knowledge and strong convictions are the result of the exemplary life she leads.
Sampreetha Keshavan’s literary life is filled with her poetic journey. Her first poetry collection Elayidam was published in 2007 and her second Neetezhuthe in 2012. As a dancer, words fail to elaborate the beauty, grace and diversity of her compositions alone.
Adding another feather to her cap, Sampreetha has also donned the role of a researcher, where she recently attained her doctoral degree for studying the state of Kurumbans, the most vulnerable tribal community of Attappadi.
“I am not content with my role as a researcher or getting a doctoral degree, I intend to explore more of the world without any delay and that’s who I am.
I don’t believe one who can write poems or do research or dance should be treated like three personalities. Everything I did was interconnected. I felt I had the responsibility to understand more about the neighbouring tribal community who lived next to my place Kongad in Palakkad. We are living in times where even the memories of our biodiversity and greenery are slowly fading,” says Sampreetha, who has come to Kochi for a short visit.
Stepping into the shoes of an activist, she considers her works as contribution to those who are working to save the culture and rights of the indigenous communities. Sampreetha, however, considers the term ‘environmental activist’ outdated. “When we think about environmental activism, those faces which come to our minds are the faces of activists who raise slogans and conduct protests. For me, my step towards addressing environmental issues is part of environmental activism. My poems addressing environmental issues, my dance interpretations and my research- all are part of my activism. As a part of the society, I engage and address many environmental and social issues in my own way. I think one who understands the present environmental concerns cannot escape being an environmental activist.”
Her study proved environmental degradation is taking a toll on the communities’ livelihood and its fast alienation from biodiversity-related knowledge. Sampreetha further says people have less understanding towards environmental issues. Talking from experience, when she spent time with the tribe she says, “Attappadi Kurumbans language and culture is mostly eco-centric. When we try to look at their problems from a patriarchal culture like ours, our solutions are not always suitable for them. We have tried to ‘educate’ them, that too in Malayalam. I think that doesn’t work. During my visits, I found the Kurumbans to be very friendly people. I have stayed in their houses and they are great hosts. They are ready to share their knowledge and experiences and most of them are happy that people wanted to study about them.”
The artist, now settled in Chennai and teaching as an Assistant Professor of Malayalam at the Asan Memorial College, opines that Chennai gives women immense opportunity to grow and experiment as an artist.
During her time as a researcher, the artist did not fail to take her dance career alongside. Sampreetha has performed in over 200 stages till date, performing solo performances post-2012, and it all came with innovations in the dance form Mohiniyattam. As part of her new pursuits, Sampreetha is trying to inculcate performance poetry into Mohiniyattam, which was once prevalent in our society. “I believe artists with literary backgrounds have the potential to change many social stigmas,” the artist concludes, as she is getting ready to receive the Yuvakalaratna award at a dance festival happening under the Saimanjeera Academy in Gudallur.
