Kalidasa Sanskrit Akademi

Objective –

The Akademi is established to undertake its activities in accordance with the following objectives :

  1. Study and exploration of Kalidasa’s literature not only purely from the literary and academic point of view but also from the interdisciplinary angles in term of its total impact on the various forms;
  2. Translation, preparation, publication and documentation of Kalidasa’s and other sanskrit works in various oriental as well as other world languages with particular accent on preparing stage versions of sanskrit plays in Hindi and other Indian languages;
  3. Establishment of a model sanskrit theater (Natyamandap) as per norms of Bharata’s Natya Shastra with a view to attempt authentic reconstruction of the ancient style and facilitate regular production of Kalidasa’s and other Sanskrit plays by eminent classical theatre personalities from all over the country as well as abroad.
  4. Collection and analysis of all available material relating to sanskrit theatre and those forms which are living remnants of the classical style;
  5. Establishment of a museum of sanskrit theatrical arts and library of traditional music and theatre and dance costumes etc. and their documentation through tapes, films and other media including production of books of sanskrit plays etc.;
  6. Facilities for imparting training in classical theatre and for under taking research in related areas.

 

Setting and Layout

The Akademi is situated in its own campus with a beautiful natural pond. The total area of land is 3374 hectares. The Akademi has got its own buildings within the premises in the year 1983. The well known architect Smt. Hema Sankalia has designed it with a rare insight and imagination.

In the year 1995, the new building has also been constructed and handed over to the Akademi. The Akademi building ‘NAVAMSHA’ combines the serenity of an ‘Ashrama’ with the functional utility of a modern edifice, a brick and sloping roof affair.

The rooms of Akademi named after the works of Mahakavi Kalidasa and the infrastructures of the building is as bellow –

  • Kumarasambhavam – Director’s Chamber
  • Vikramorvashiyam – Office, Computer Room
  • Abhijnanashakuntalam – Exhibition Hall
  • Raghuvansham – Seminar and lecture hall
  • Malavikagnimitram – Library of audio and video cassettes and books chambers of Deputy Director and Administrative Officer, research and publication.
  • Atithi Niwas – Guest House
  • Acharyakula – Study centre for the traditional shastric learning.
  • Navamsha – Different store rooms to preserve the property of the Akademi and    dormatory.
  • Meghadutam – A small meeting room.
  • Ritusamharam – Council room
  • Abhiranga Natyagriha – A precenium theatre.

The physical environment of this building has been meticulously planed with a view to recreate a particular kind of atmosphere. The trees such as Ashoka, Amra, Kadamba, Bakula, Panasa and other such varieties which are found in Kalidasa’s literature have been planted with a view to keep Ashram tradition. The Akademi established in the year 1978 and mode its humble beginning in the year 1979. A list of directors, who rendered their valuable services to the Akademi is given below :

  • Prof. Adya Rangacharya. (1979-1980)
  • Dr. Kamalesh Dutta Tripathy (1981-1986)
  • Prof. Shriniwas Rath. (1986-1995)
  • Dr. Prabhat Kumar Bhattacharya. (1995-1997)
  • Shri Vinod Semaval (Collector of Ujjain & In-charge Director) (1997-1998)
  • Shri C.P. Arora (Collector of Ujjain & In-charge Director) (1998-1998)
  • Dr. Krishnakant Chaturvedi; (1999 – 2003)
  • Dr. Kamlesh Datta Tripathi; (2003 – 2007 )
  • Dr. Mithila Prasad Tripathi; (2007 – 5 March 2010 )
  • Prof. P.N. Shastri; (6 March 2010 – 9 July 2012 )
  • Prof. Tribhuvannath Shukla (In-charge Director)  (10 July 2012 – 13 Sept 2012 )
  • Dr. Baldevanand Sagar (13 Sept 2012 – 7 January 2013 )
  • Prof. Mithila Prasad Tripathi (8 January 2013 – 26 November 2014 )
  • Dr.P.K.Jha (In-charge Director) (27 November 2014 – 14 December 2016)
  • Dr. Anand Narayan Sinha (In-charge Director) (15 December 2016 – 30 November 2017)
  • Smt. Pratibha Dave (In-charge Director) (1 December 2017 – 31 May 2021)
  • Dr. Santosh Pandya (In-charge Director) (1 June 2021- 5 October 2023)
  • Dr. Govind Gandhe (6 October 2023 – continue)

KALIDASA AKADEMI, UJJAIN (Madhya Pradesh Sanskriti Parishad)

Mahakavi Kalidasa is known to be the greatest repository of our national heritage. He continues to shine as one of the greatest exponent of Indian Culture.
Keeping his memory in view, the department of culture of the Government of Madhya Pradesh established the Kalidasa Akademi in the year 1978 at Ujjain. The basic idea of establishing Kalidasa Akademi in Ujjain is twofold. One is to keep the memory of the great poet-dramatist Kalidasa constantly refreshed. The other is to establish a multi-disciplinary institution, which would project the totality of classical tradition with Kalidasa as its centre; provide facilities for research and study in Sanskrit classical and traditional literary thought, tradition of fine as well as performing arts and their adaptation for contemporary times in different cultural and linguistic Milieu.

Library 
Kalidasa Akademi has a classified prestigious library which consist of above 4000 books on various Indological subjects as Veda, Vedanga, Purana, Philosophy, Vedic and Sanskrit literature, Natya, Nritya, Sangita, Vastu-Shastra, Jyotish-Shastra, Kavya Shastra, Vyakarana Shastra, Tantragama, Art, Sculpture, Aesthetics and so on.
Besides this library has a good collection of books on Kalidasa’s works, its commentaries, its critical texts, literary criticism, translations in different Indian and foreign languages.
In which they have a good collection of traditional and folk painting, sculptural exhibits, different manuscripts, audio and video cassettes, photographs, costumes, musical instruments, masks, and stage properties.

KALIDASA FESTIVAL 
Kalidasa Festival is a prestigious programme of Madhya Pradesh, which reflects all such multi-dimensional activities. It has a history of several decades. The first Kalidasa Festival, organized by the Government of Madhya Pradesh, was inaugurated by first President of India His Excellency Late Dr. Rajendra Prasad. Late Prime Minister Pt. Jawahar Lal Nehru was the next dignitary ro inaugurate the Festival. This tradition has continued for last several decades and the great writers, artists, scholars as well as statesman have graced the Festival with their presence. The Festival starts on Devaprabodhini Ekadashi and continues for seven days which includes National and International seminars, series of lectures, conventions of poets of Sanskrit as well as of the other Indian languages ( Kavi Samavaya). All India inter-university and inter-collage debates on Kalidasa and his works in Sanskrit and Hindi, different competitions for school children, the research sessions for the scholars representing universities are also organized by the Vikram University, Ujjain.
Another attraction of this festival is an all India competition of the Painting and Sculpture inspired by the works of Kalidasa. Five prizes of Rs. 25,000 each are awarded to the works adjudged by the penal of the jury. An Exhibition of selected Painting and Sculptures takes place on this Festival.
The colorful evening of Kalidasa Festival starts with the presentation of Kalidasa’s Plays in original and directed by the eminent theatre men of the renowned institutions of the Country. For the next Six days the Plays of Kalidasa as well as other Sanskrit Playwright are presented either in Hindi or in other Indian Languages. It would not be out of place to mention that from time to time renowned troupes from abroad are also invited to stage their productions based on classical Sanskrit works as well as from their own classical tradition.
Programmes includes the presentation of Classical as well as Modern Indian Plays and Writings composed in classical and folk dance forms. Besides, artist of the highest repute of Indian Classical Dance and Vocal recital as well as instrumental music, join festival on the concluding days.
Kalidasa Akademi organize such a multi-dimensional activity throughout the year which includes the academic programme based on Vedas, Vedangas, Ancient Indian Philosophy and other traditional shastras. Kalidasa Akademi and its Sanskrit Prabhag (The former M.P. Sanskrit Akademi) organize such programme of highest academic merit in-order to propagate and preserve the Indian Shastric and literary tradition.

Kalash-Yatra
There has been a tradition of Mangal Kalash -Yatra for last seventeen years the day before the inauguration of Kalidasa Samaroha in order to give information of Samaroha to the citizen. The yatra starts with collection of Shipra Jal from holy banks of river Shipra then after worshiping Lord Mahakal the Yatra completes in the Kalidasa Akademi campus after going through the main roads of the old and new city. Folk artists exhibit their art and thousands of students of college and schools connection them with the Samaroha through this Yatra. The different Jhankis inspired by the Kalidasa literature are the attractions of this Yatra. A team of folk artists of the other state is participating in this for the last five years attracting the citizens.
Nandi 
A programme of spiritual music is being organized under ‘Nandi’ for the last Ten years on the eve of inaugural day of Kalidasa Samaroha. The Great Master like Ms. Anuradha Paudwal, Shri Anoop Jalota, Shri Baljeet Singh, Pt. Chhannulal Mishra has presented their effective performance in ‘Nandi’ along with this the worship of Garhkalika, the Goddess of Great Poet and the recitation of Sanskrit Strota is also a part of Nandi.
Nandi is also a practice to connect the citizens in the Samaroha.

Art Competitions, Camps and Exhibitions
On the occasion of Kalidasa Festival, Kalidasa Akademi conducts an all India Competition on traditional and folk paintings and sculpture based on the works of Kalidasa.
Akademi organizes Varangama Shivir(Artist Camp) inviting the senior artists of the nation. These camps are inspired by the works of Kalidasa and Ujjain. Few of these exhibits are exhibited in Abhijnanasakuntalam Kalavithika for visitors throughout the year.
Kalidasa Sanskrit Akademi is conducting various events form last several years.
Activities are given below …

1. Shastriya Nritya Prashikshan Shivir Ujjain
2. Grishmakalin Prashikshan shivir Ujjain
3. Sarasvtam (1st ) Ratlam
4. Sanskrit Sambhashan Shivir In 10 District of M.P.
5. Shastravyakhya Pathsatra Hoshangabad
6. Balanatyam Indore
7. Sanskrit Gaurav Divas Vidisha
8. Kalpavalli Ujjain
9. Sanskrit Natya Prashikshan Shivir Ujjain
10. Sanskrit Natya Samaroha Ujjain
11. Valmiki Samaroha Chitrakoot
12. Akhil Bhartiya Kalidasa Samaroha Ujjain
13. Bhavbuti Samaroha Gwalior
14. Varnagam Shivir Maheswar
15. Sarasvtam (2nd) Sagar
16. Bhartrihari Prasang Ujjain
17. Vanjan Mahotsav Bandhavgarh
18. Bhoj Mahotsav Dhar
19. Banabhatta Samaroha Rewa
20. Shankar Samaroha Omkareshwar
21. Rajshekar Samaroha Jabalpur

Research and Publications
Kalidasa Akademi has taken up a research project of editing and translating Bharata’s Natyashastra for the performing artists. A few so far unutilized new mss. of Natyashastra have been acquired for the new edition. A few chapters of the Natyashastra have been already edited and translated in English and as well as in Hindi by the eminent scholars are ready and for the remaining chapters the works is in progress.
The following publications have already seen the light of the day.
1. Vadatrayi (In Sanskrit)
2. Sivamahimna Stotram (In Sanskrit and Hindi)
3. Paniniya Siksha (In Sanskrit)
4. Ritusamharakavyam (In Sanskrit)
5. Kalidasa Ka Vagarth (In Hindi)
6. Kalidasa (Monograph in Hindi)
7. Meghaduta (In Bundeli)
8. Halkaro badal (In Malavi)
9. Megha Sandesha (In Hindi)
10. Meghadoota (In Hindi)
11. Ritusamhara (In Hindi)
12. Kumarasambhav (In Hindi)
13. Kalidasa Ne Kaha tha (In Hindi)
14. Kalidasa Sandarbh Kosh (In Hindi)
15. Kalidasa Bibliography (In English)
16. Malavi Lokageet ( In Hindi)
17. Kalidasa Granthawali (In Sanskrit and Hindi)
18. Meghdootam (In Sanskrit)
19. Natya Shastra (6-7 Act)
20. Yayawr (In Sanskrit and Hindi)
21. Prachetas (In Sanskrit and Hindi)
22. Malati (In Sanskrit and Hindi)
23. Malav Naresh Bhojraj (In Hindi)

Cyclostyled Books
1. Natyashastra Uddharana kosha
2. Bharatiya Darshaneshu Karmavada
3. Bhartiya Darshaneshu Pramanyavada
4. Bhartiya Darshaneshu Khyativadah
5. Natyashastre Rasabhava Vicharah (In Sanskrit)
6. Natyashastre Chandovrittivichayah ( In Sanskrit)
7. Natyashastre Pathya vivekah ( In Sanskrit)
8. Kalidasa Sahitya Me Vanaspati ( In Hindi)
Kalidasa Akademi and its Sanskrit Prabhag brings out regularly the following reports and journals.
1. Annual ‘Vruttanta’ a vividh report of the activities of the Acdemy(Annual)
2. ‘Kalidasa’ a journal of Kalidasa Akademi (Quareterly)
3. ‘Doorva’ a journal devoted to the publication of contemporary creative Sanskrit writings.
Several other Publication.

Popularization of Programms
Various competition have been started in order to connect youths with the different initiatives organized by Kalidasa Sanskrit Akademi.

Best Creation Awards (Shrestha Kruti Puruskar)
            In order to inspire the creation in Sanskrit language cultural department through Kalidasa Sanskrit Akademi (Formerly known as M.P. Sanskrit Akademi) has instituted one all India and three state awards to honour best creation of Sanskrit language. An all India Kalidasa Award is given to a Sanskrit creation, an inscription and Rs. 51,000 in cash is given to the author. State level Rajshekhar award is given to the Sankrit Creation of traditional discipline, the award consists of an inscription and Rs. 21,000 in cash. In the field of traditional knowledge state level Vyas Award is given to an author for edited work or for a Hindi to Sanskrit or Sanskrit to Hindi translation of a classical or literary work, the Vyas award consists of an inscription and Rs. 21,000 in cash. In this series a state level Bhoj Award is given to critical work in Sanskrit or critical work of Sanskrit creation in Hindi, and inscription and Rs. 21,000 in cash is given under Bhoj Award.

Future Dimensions

  • Establishment of an Art Gallery.
  • Construction of cultural dome.
  • Organization of spoken Sanskrit camps in different districts of MP.

Publications 
The immortal works of Great Poet Kalidasa are being published.
The drama of Kalidasa will also be published in the regional language i.e. Malvi.

Organisation Structure

Organisation Structure

Organisation Structure

Infrastructure –

1. Painting Exhibition Hall

Abhijnanashakuntalam – Kalaveethika
Exhibition of the Selected painting and sculpture exhibits based on the works of Kalidasa in traditional and folk style. This hall is given on rental basis also.
2. Theatres

Bharatavishala open air Theatre
It is Mainly used for the cultural programmes of Kalidasa Samaroha and other important functions. In samaroha the programmes of Samskrit and regional plays, dance-dramas, classical dances and musical programmes performed on this huge stage. The area of this stage is 60×40 and the capacity of this theatre is above 10,000 audience. Given on rental basis also
Abhiranga – A Proscenium Theatre
Short and experimental Sanskrit and Hindi plays are staged here. The area of the stage is 40×20 and the capacity of this theatre is above 200 audience. Given on rental basis also.
Lokmanch Theatre
It is meant for the folk style plays like Bharatari, Raja Vikram, Tejaji ki Katha and so on. The area of the stage is 30×15 and the capacity of this theatre is above 500 persons. Given on rental basis also.
3. Auditoriums –

Raghuvansham –
This auditorium is mainly meant for Academic lectures, seminars, simposiums, lecture-demonstrations and poets-meet. The area of this auditorium is 40×40 and the capacity is 150 persons. Given on rental basis also.
Meghdootam –
This hall is meant for the small gathering for seminars and various presentations etc.
RituSamharam –
For a close meeting and can accommodate about 50 person.
4. Guest House & Dormitory

Athiti Niwas & Dormitory –
The honourable guests of Akademi stay here at the time of functions and also used for rental purpose. Guest house of 4 rooms with attached bathroom and relevant facility. Dormitory at upstairs with 19 independent cabins.
5. Library – Akademi has Approx. 5000 books on the following subjects :

On Kalidasa
Printed text, Sanskrit commentary and Hindi, English Translations & Criticism.
The Work done at abroad on the works of Kalidasa and on other poets
Translation of the works of Kalidasa in different Indian and foreign languages.
On Art forms
The books on painting and sculpture, Dance, Music and theatre, architecture.
Sanskrit Literature
General History of Sanskrit Literature, Vedic Literature, Ancient and Modern Poetry and Drama, Natyashastra, Kavyashastra, Vyakaranashastra, Dharmashastra, Religion and philosophy, Dictionaries, Encyclopaedias.
Miscellaneous
Books in Hindi and English on various subjects.

6.Collection –
Manuscript Collection (Pandulipi Samgrahalaya) –
100 Manuscript in Devnagari script on various subjects.
Collection of Audio Video Cassettes –
Akademi have organised Kalidasa Samaroha since 1979 and also done documantation of its important programmes on a collection of audio and video cassettes.
Photo Albums –
About 12 photo albums covering the different programmes of Kalidasa Akademi especially Kalidasa Samaroha.
Musical Instruments –
Akademi has the following musical instruments for the purpose of its cultural programmes : Veena, Sitar, Tanpura, Ektara, Santoor, Swaramandal, Hansapadika, Tabla, Dagga, Dholak, Chung, Deru, Damru, Nagara, Pakhawaz, Cong, Jhanjh, Tashe, Ghantal, Chinese Bell, Harmonium.
Collection of Costumes –
Akademi has a good collection of different costumes usable in classical sanskrit theatre and folk theatre.