The growth journey of Rukminidevi Natyakashetra Foundation.
Founder
Influenced by the life and work of Smt. Rukmini Devi Arundale, Shri. S.Premnath laid the foundation of Rukminidevi Natyakshetra after completing his formal education in Bharathanatyam at Kalakshetra. He embarked on a mission to provide systematic Bharathanatyam education, driven by the realization that his own childhood classes lacked a structured approach, this is the one reason he decided not to be a performer only to be a proper teacher.
Choosing the path of a teacher over that of a performer, he established the Rukminidevi Natyakshetra Foundation on July 6th, 1997, with a focus on imparting knowledge through part-time class programs. Motivated by a passion for the arts and philanthropy, Shri. Premnath aimed to fill the void in arts education at North Chennai. Rukminidevi Natyakshetra started with one student in Bharathanatyam - it is gradually increasing with more than 300 students on roll now. The aim to provide a clear curriculum based system with a certificate course in Bharathanatyam, Vocal, Painting and Musical Instruments has been realised. As an NGO and Unit of Shanthi Ammal Charitable Trust, RNF continues its mission of making quality arts education accessible and ensures the tradition is passed down to future generations.
Over the years, the institution had to shift thrice to meet the changing demands of students and infrastructure. In 2007 Rukminidevi Natyakshetra Foundation functioned from the school premises of Meenakshi Matriculation School, Mogappair till 2022 September.
On 24th September 2022, we officially stepped into our own Campus with the tireless effort by Shri.S. Premnath and great support from our school alumni, parents, friends and well wishers.