Testimonials

Vanaja Dasika
Sadhanalaya school of arts
Canberra
Australia

My Namaskaram to Sri Samavedam Shanmukha sarma garu.

I would like to thank Vani garu,for giving me this opportunity to participate in the Sivapadam project.

When Sri Samavedam shanmukha sarmagaru visited Canberra, Australia in March this year, I was given an opportunity to sing the invocation songs and then when I was introduced to him as a Kuchipudi dancer and niece of Padmabhushan Guru Vempati Chinna Satyam garu, Sri Sharma garu said that I have to choreograph dance for his Sivapadam compositions and then to my surprise, in June I got a call from Vani garu who got my contact through Smt.Prasunna and asked me if I would take part in the Sivapadam project. With God’s Grace and my Guru’s Blessings I was able to complete the project and it was wonderful experience because due to the covid situation the choreography was done online and all my students were very dedicated they came for every single practice sessions and we completed the project in time.
Thank you

Mrs Shubha Dixith,
Malasa School of Dance,
Telford, Shropshire,
United Kingdom

Dhyaana-Muulam Gurur-Muurtih
Puujaa-Muulam Gurur-Padam |
Mantra-Muulam Gurur-Vaakyam
Mokssa-Muulam Guruur-Krpaa ||
To guru who has given his blessings to all the living beings by the means of Shivapadam, pranamam🙏.
Om tat sat Gurudeva🙏

Om Sri Gurubhyo Namaha.
Hope you all enjoy this unique and humble presentation and offering at the lotus feet of ever eternal cosmic dancer Siva through this unique platform of Sivapadam.

Namaskaram,
I and my daughter Srushti Sai Talluri are really blessed and previladge to be part of Sivapadam dance ballet from it’s inception. It has been a great journey from the past 4+ yrs. I thank Vani garu for giving us this opportunity. She has been the whole and sole driving force behind this wonderful ensemble of unique dance styles coming together. Sivapadam as a dance ballet is her brain child. We all wouldn’t be here today if not for her.
Personally the Sivapadam journey has been a divine experience for me. Each song is so soulful, filled with so much meaning and literature that you get to know so many aspects of Sivatatvam and shakti. The music is such that you feel like dancing immediately. All in all Sivapadam is a spiritual journey. I can say that this journey of Shivapadam is like a parikrama around Mt.Kailash.
I will forever be indebted and grateful to Samaveda Shanmugha sharma garu for giving us this divine experience through his songs and blessings.

I would conclude by saying that Sivapadam has Provided the opportunity for different dance forms collaborating together like a Garland of different flowers connected through a common string to be offered at the divine lotus feet.

Thank you
Mrs. Chandna Veturi
Nartanaalaya-The Temple of Dance, San Jose , CA USA

Mrs. Chinmayi Arukala
Nrithya Jyoti Dance School
San Jose , CA USA

Shri Gurubhyo Namaha!
My humble Namaskaram to
Brahmasri Samavedam Shanmukha Sarma Guru garu, for blessing all of us with his beautiful lyrics of Shivapadam. I am very grateful to Vani Garu for giving me an opportunity to perform Andhra Natyam, along with other Indian classical dance forms for this event. I really enjoy the collaboration and often get inspired by the commitment this team has to share ideas and excel in presentations.

It has been an honor to be part of this unique international dance program, where we are presenting five different Indian classical dance forms. Wish to continue our journey in future, together as California Shivapadam team. 🙏

Naina shastri
Artistic director,
Ushanjali school of dance.

Namaste dear shivapadam family,

On behalf of ushanjali school of dance and my daughter maya mankude, I would like to extend my heartfelt wishes to everybody.

Since being part of the shivapadam bayarea team, I have enjoyed working with amazing gurus, performing to great compositions of shanmugham garu.

Every performance, presentation has been unique, musically, choregraphically, aesthetically! Smt. Vani Shankar garu’s ideas and visions, bayarea gurus planning and execution, students and teachers’ performances…has been truly a blessed journey.

We are excitedly looking forward to the global presentation! The coming together of so many artists in the spirit of oneness!

With lots of love,

Bidisha
Indraadhanush- Center for Excellence
CA, USA

Dear All,
Namaskar!
Participating in the Shiva Padam programs and especially, this Global presentation has been a great honor for me and both of my daughters, Shreyaa Karan and Shylaa Karan. The drive and passion this team has towards choreographing the dances and ensuring that the steps exemplify the meaning of the poetry is incredible! Collaborating with other dance Gurus has been of great pleasure to me, and has allowed us to experience the gracefulness and beauty of other classical art forms beyond our own. A hearty thanks to the entire Shiva Padam team and especially Vani Ji, for constantly encouraging us and pushing us to be our best every time we take the stage.

Best Wishes,
Bidisha
Indraadhanush- Center for Excellence
CA, USA

Hema Bhamidipati and I am the artistic director of Lasyapriya Academy of Cultural Arts, from Metro Detroit, Michigan State.

It is a great honor and privilege to be a part of the Universal Sivapadam Dance Performance. My heartfelt thanks to Samavedam Shanmukha Sharma Garu for blessing us with such a great collection of songs on Lord Shiva and Parvati Devi and thank you Vani Garu for coming up with such a great concept and giving us the opportunity to be a part of this great yagna.

When we were told of this opportunity, our state of Michigan was in complete lockdown having the the 3rd most cases of Covid-19 in United States. Inspite of such a situation, right from song selection, choreography, teaching the students and recording were all done in a span of 10 days. Even though some of the participants are medical students or busy with hectic schedules, due to their intrest in Sivapadam and this being a one of a kind opportunity, they came forward and practiced the dance wearing masks going through all the discomfort. Such was their passion for Sivapadam.

Once again, thank you for giving us this amazing opportunity, and we all feel very blessed to be a part of this global event.

Your school name: NatyaTarang Kuchipudi Kalakshetram
Your name: Rajesh Chavali
Country :california, USA

Experience with Sivapadam:

It has been a great previlige to be associated with Guru Shanmukha Sharma Garu in our little capacity and greatly honored by the opportunity to be a drop in the ocean of Sivabhakti that he inculcated and inspired us with. In the unfortunate days of COVID isolation, what more gives us joy beyond praying for world piece, we collectively across the world pray that world becomes a better places for all living beings to enable more hormony. It was a full filled experience to be able to present with so many talented dancer across the globe albeit virtually. Thankful to the technology that brought us all together in these difficult days. It goes without saying that, an event to be co-ordinated at this global scale takes passion, commitment and dedication not just from the artists but so much more so from the organizers and our eternal thanks and accolades to Vani garus and Rushipeetham team for working so hard behind the stage to enable us on the stage.

Dubai

Guru.Preethi Tatambhotla
Tanmayi art studio
Dubai
U.A.E

Siva padams is a literary and a divine offering on the Stories, dances and various forms of Shiva and shakthi by the eminent scholar Brahmsari Dr Samavaedam Shanmukha sharma Garu!

It was a blessing to delve deep into the padam on abhishekams, a divine offering to the lord.

Unraveling through various layers of this padam, understanding the Agnisoma, yagnya tatva and dancing it was a divine journey for me. I consider this performance as my humble offering at the feet of the cosmic dancer.

I enjoyed every bit of this experience and being a part of this effort by Vani Garu by bringing dancers from various countries across the world onto one platform.

Guru.KALAIMAMANI SRI SURYA NARAYANA MURTHY JOSYULA
OM SRI BHARATAKSHETRA
SCHOOL OF FINE ARTS
Chennai, India

SivaPadam is my close to heart. My Namaskaram to Brahmasri Dr.Samavedam Shanmukha Sarma garu and gave adiamonds called Sivapadam on lord shiva.
I had an opportunity to perform in kanchi first time it was a blissful experience.

Vanigaru ,it is such a wonderful opportunity to all of us ,even our
Nears
Dears
Gurus
Govt
No-one has given us an opportunity, like this way.
If we miss it we are the loosers,
You are, IRON LADY with kind-hearted,and noble womenism .
The one and only smt. vanigaru , brought the reputation to the artists ,, as an “international performers with global recognisation”, which became as an international integration.
Long live mam,
LADY smt.VANIgaru.
Heart felt congratulations on your assignment success.
Kalaimamani
Josyula suryanarayana murthy
18-08-2020

Namaskar.

Being part of Shivapadam since last year was a blessing and I am so thankful for this group. Everyones hardwork and dedication makes dancing with this group amazing. When Vani Ji came to me asking for me to join, I was skeptical as for the very first time I was exposed to choreograph on a Karnatic based music which I was unfamiliar with. Being a Kathak dancer and a North Indian, it was difficult for me to follow the language. Soon I overcame this hurdle as the team always helped me whole heartedly and supported me from every angle. Working with this team opened up a new angle to Kathak that I fell in love with. The music written and composed by the great author Dr. Shanmukha Sharma is enchanting. The description of Lord Shiva is so powerful that during the choreography I always felt a positive vibe and a great connection to these music.

Thank you to all the Gurus and Vani Ji for always being by our side and supporting us to be our best. Me and my daughter, Isha Sarkar, are so thankful to be part of this great endeavor and am excited for the global festival.

Thank you,
Pragya Dasgupta
Tarana Dance Academy
San Jose,CA USA

Namaskar.

Being part of Shivapadam since last year was a blessing and I am so thankful for this group. Everyones hardwork and dedication makes dancing with this group amazing. When Vani Ji came to me asking for me to join, I was skeptical as for the very first time I was exposed to choreograph on a Karnatic based music which I was unfamiliar with. Being a Kathak dancer and a North Indian, it was difficult for me to follow the language. Soon I overcame this hurdle as the team always helped me whole heartedly and supported me from every angle. Working with this team opened up a new angle to Kathak that I fell in love with. The music written and composed by the great author Dr. Shanmukha Sharma is enchanting. The description of Lord Shiva is so powerful that during the choreography I always felt a positive vibe and a great connection to these music.

Thank you to all the Gurus and Vani Ji for always being by our side and supporting us to be our best. Me and my daughter, Isha Sarkar, are so thankful to be part of this great endeavor and am excited for the global festival.

Thank you,
Pragya Dasgupta
Tarana Dance Academy
San Jose,CA USA

NatyaTarang Kuchipudi Kalakshetram
Rajesh Chavali
california, USA

Experience with Sivapadam:

It has been a great previlige to be associated with Guru Shanmukha Sharma Garu in our little capacity and greatly honored by the opportunity to be a drop in the ocean of Sivabhakti that he inculcated and inspired us with. In the unfortunate days of COVID isolation, what more gives us joy beyond praying for world piece, we collectively across the world pray that world becomes a better places for all living beings to enable more hormony. It was a full filled experience to be able to present with so many talented dancer across the globe albeit virtually. Thankful to the technology that brought us all together in these difficult days. It goes without saying that, an event to be co-ordinated at this global scale takes passion, commitment and dedication not just from the artists but so much more so from the organizers and our eternal thanks and accolades to Vani garus and Rushipeetham team for working so hard behind the stage to enable us on the stage.

Kavya

I am very lucky to be the part of an amazing Sivapadam journey, it was such an wonderful opportunity for me to perform in it. I sincerely thank Vaani garu for giving me this opportunity.
Sivapadam is a platform where famous classical dancers from different countries get to perform on one stage, in this era where people only think about their smart life and their lifestyle with western culture but Vaani gaaru who bought up this Sivapadam concept and expanded the cultural form, this Sivapadam is like expanding our culture the classical art form.
Me performing with such great gurus I learnt many things from each one off them. They all have become my inspiration
Sivapadam international dance program was not just a program it was a stage where all classical dancers get an opportunity to show their talent and inspire many youngsters to learn our culture and expand it.
Sivapadam was really a great experience for me which made me learn many things and explore myself.

Sri Gurubhuyonamha: 🙏🏻

“Sivapadam” an experience of life time!!

#International SivaPadam Dance event 16th Aug 2020

# 73 participants from 7 countries, 16 Indian classical dance schools from across the world featuring 5 dance styles.

# Starting with Australia on the East, then Singapore, Russia, India, UAE, UK and ending with USA on the west – Dancers have been working with so much passion and dedication in these pandemic times to bring peace, wellness and SivaRaksha with SivaPadam.

While there are many beautiful dancers who mesmerise the audience with their immense Talent! Blessed are we to perform on the songs written by “Guru Dr. Sri Brhamashri Saamavedam Shanmukha Sharmagaru” we are so happy to announce, that we are coming live with Sivapadam tomorrow!! (pls watch the link below) ( refer invitation)

We are in total aww and blessed to get the opportunity from Smt. VaniShankar Gundalapalli garu who is the inceptor of this Sivapadam and took it to the global audience!!

The Gundalapalli couple’s efforts are so seemless to take “Sivapadam” to an another level by their ‘Creative Brilliance’ and Leadership approach towards arts with a strong will and vision. Specially need to mention ‘Smt. Vani garu’ for her vision and leadership for presenting the ‘Sivapadam’ globally, by gathering all the artist globally across the time zones and presenting them under one platform with diversified Indian dance forms along with its richness, and diversity!! The divinity of Sivapadam, the richness of the songs, one has to feel each and every word in the songs. Which are just filled with an “ Omkaranadam” the vibrancy is felt when you feel the profoundness of Shiva when you practice perform!! It’s an experience in itself to perform for this event on a Digital platform and going live along with the “Vaggeyakara” is a
Life Learning and life Long experience, while he himself is curating on the “Sivapadams” we all performed!

It’s an Honour to perform on the Sivapadams written by this Modren Vaggeyakara “
Dr. Saamavedam Shanmukha Sharmagaru” on lord shiva, like our Saint Sri Annamaya, Saint Sri Tayagarja who had written thousands of songs on lord Narayanan and lord Rama!

Blessed are we dancers who performed for his Siva Padams, which are been composed and sung by Indias most eminent music fraternities like ‘Padmasri Dr. S.P.Balasubhramanyamgaru,’ ‘TTD Widwan Sri Garimella Balakrishnan Prasad garu,’ ‘Sri Malladi Brothers’ and many more to name a few!!

We from Singapore 🇸🇬, “Abhinaya Natyalaya” and the associated dancers performed with his divine blessings!!

Thank you all🙏🏻🙏🏻 Thank you Vani garu for this divine opportunity once again!! – Pratyusha, Poornima & Mounika!!

On 16th August 2020 we were honoured to be a part of the online SivaPadam international dance programme. It was unforgettable experience for us! Right from the beginning when we were told about this event, we immediatly decided to participate. We strongly believe that one of the main purposes of the art is to unite people across the globe. SivaPadam programme gave the common platform for more than 70 dancers from 7 countries! This is absolutely unique chance in the field of Indian classical dance! The programme was beneficial for all dancers
because we could see each other’s compositions and therefore to improve our skills.
Also, we really love the music and lyrics of our dance. It Inspired us and gave the ideas for the choreography.
We would like to mention that to make our composition possible during these difficult times was quite a challenge. Sometimes we could not meet for rehearsals and were to practice online in Zoom. But we felt that Lord Shiva was with us helping to overcome all problems!
During the online translation of SivaPadam International dance programme we were altogether with other participants and organizers giving the message of peace and beauty as well as sharing the art of Indian classical dance to the world. We were glad to know that there were 8k views on YouTube and 18k views on Facebook!
The last but not least we would like to express our gratitude to Brahmasri Dr.Samavedam Shanmukha Sarma , mrs. Vani Gundlapalli and SivaPadam Team for enormous efforts to make this programme possible!
Tatiana Nazarova, member of Nritya Sabha Foundation, Moscow, Russia

Prasuna Nuti
Natyakalpa school of kuchipudi dance.
Hyderabad. India.

Hi Artlovers, Guruvugaru ~samavedam shanmukha sharma gariki , VAni and Ravi gariki namaskaramulu .I Smt.Prasuna Nuti (Kuchipudi dance Guru and founder of Natyakalpa school of kuchipudi dance, Hyderabad) learnt this artform from my age 7 from Guru Padmabhushan Dr. Vempati chinna satyam garu and in this field of teaching from past 15 years.

I have been doing Sivapadam from past 2years Me and my disciples have participated in programmes conducted in India ( at Vijawawada) AP, Hyderabad, also at Kanchi(tamilnadu). The programmes conducted were the most homely and exciting. Vani garu and team at organizing programmes were really wonderful and marvoullos. Hospitality towards the artists were very pleaseful. Students
Mingled very fast with the US students &they had great time with all like a family fr 3 days, it was a great thing.
Coming to gurugaru, it was a wonderful experience and acheivment to me . We have performed for 2 songs in vijawawada and hyderabad where gurugaru told the narration of each and every particular of the song which was really overwhelming.
This universal sivapadam international dance programme is the 4th one we are participating, hope Lord siva&guruvugaru give vani and ravi garu a lot more programmes to come and give that strength&energy through out their life.
The planning, execution, dedication, contribution from vani and Ravi garu for the art and the artists was superb and wonderful. Felt I was travelling with my guru Dr. Vempati garu .

Again with this Universal performance done by 7 countries from all over the world and different artformes and artists coming together at the same platform was spellbound. I have really gone to a special vision to compose and choreograph the song given to me and awaited for the programme with gurugaru’s narration where I felt the most prestigious and proud to be a part of “SIVAPADAM” .

I thank Ravi and Vani garu oncemore for the great opportunity and truely wishing all a grand success for their future endeavours.

Thank you all . Namasthe🙏

Very very happy to share that our International SivaPadam Program on Aug 16th is continuing to mesmerize dance/music lovers all over the world. The devotion that people are showing for SivaPadam has been so touching and inspiring.

It was a wonderful experience working with 73 dancers and artists from 8 countries, from 16 different schools led by 20 Gurus. What is unique and truly a once-in-a-lifetime blessing is to have detailed narration of the meaning and essence of every SivaPadam song by the author Brahmasri Dr. Samvedam Shanmukha Sarma garu himself.

This is also the first time that Russian dancers from Nritya Sabha Foundation, Moscow have presented their dance for SivaPadam songs. Truly historic and may be the very first time a group of non-Indian dancers presented SivaPadam. I am now receiving several requests from dancers from other parts of the world.

This program therefore was a celebration of OneNess – 73 dancers from 7 countries – Australia, Singapore, Russia, India, Dubai, United Kingdom and USA, performing together in 5 different Indian Classical Dance styles – Kuchipudi, Bharatanatyam, Kathak, Odissi and Andhranatyam.

In one SivaPadam, Guruvugaru wrote “విశ్వచలనము వివిధ విధములు విభు నీ నృత్యాల రీతులు – Oh Shiva every movement in this entire universe are manifestations of your cosmic dance movements.”

Deep gratitude to all the teachers who made this possible with their passion for dance and devotion for SivaPadam. Humble pranams to Guruvugaru.

The SivaPadam team proved once again that with team work and dedication, anything is possible.