Understanding the significance and the need for Kiwi-Indians to preserve their cultural heritage, particularly classical music and dance, many individuals and organisations are actively contributing to keeping these art forms alive in the next generation.
Pavithra Ravi, who runs the Zealand Academy of Indian Arts (ZAIA) in Christchurch, is one of them, offering classes in various Indian classical dance forms like Bharatnatyam, kathak, music and instruments.
Pavithra says, “The migration of Indian families to New Zealand has brought with it a wealth of cultural traditions, rituals, and art forms that have been passed down through generations.
“Classical music and dance, such as Bharatanatyam and Carnatic music, are deeply ingrained in Indian culture and history. They serve not only as artistic expressions, but also as a medium to convey stories, emotions, and spiritual aspects of life.”
Pavithra comes from a family of artists–her great grandfathers, Thiruveezhimizhalai brothers, were famous nadaswaram (South Indian instrument) vidwans. Both her grandfathers were recipients of state awards for their service to classical arts.
Pavithra was surrounded by music and dance, and it was a big part of her identity. Her mother began training her in Bharatanatyam, an ancient classical dance form, even before she could walk.
Bharatanatyam holds a significant place in India’s cultural heritage, and it is one of the most widely practised art forms, alongside kathak. Pavithra made her public debut in 1998 at the prestigious Mamallapuram International Dance Festival.
Her expertise extends beyond Bharatanatyam. She is a multi-talented artist who also excels in Carnatic vocal music, yoga for mental health, and sound bath facilitation.
ZAIA’s journey began with Pavithra’s weekly trips from Timaru to Christchurch, where she conducted classes for a growing number of enthusiastic students.
Recognising the opportunity to spread the beauty of Indian arts, she and her husband made the decision to relocate to Christchurch, eventually setting up their own studio space for the academy in 2021.
The academy currently offers classes for both children and adults, catering to diverse learning levels, and provides flexible weekday and weekend options.
ZAIA has a diverse student base, comprising people from various ethnic backgrounds, including India, Singapore, Malaysia, Bangladesh and Fiji.
Talking about her future plans, she says, “I do have plans in the next year to start working with local schools and offer introductory classes and workshops during school holidays. This will give students a taste of Indian art forms and encourage them to join longer-term learning programmes. We also hope to take these art forms to a wider Kiwi community through this.”
In her teaching journey, Pavithra encountered challenges faced by Kiwi-Indian children trying to embrace their cultural roots while assimilating into a different society.
Becoming a parent herself gave her valuable insights into the struggles faced by both parents and kids in preserving their heritage.
“They want to thrive in the Kiwi community, but they also want to keep their Indian roots alive. This insight changed the way I conduct my lessons,” she shares.
She started incorporating relatable Indian cultural stories, role plays, and engaging activities to make the learning experience more enjoyable and meaningful.
“It’s extremely important to stay connected to whatever culture you come from,” she says. “Without strong roots, the tree will wither and fall. Even after three or four generations of being in New Zealand, we will still be called Kiwi-Indians, not Kiwis,” she says.
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