Chintamani Ashramam
The Chintamani Ashram of Fine Arts is a project envisaged by Guru Mani. It is dedicated to bring all forms of performing arts under one roof in the traditional Gurukula system of learning and practicing in a natural atmosphere supported by modern amenities.
The word Chintamani means fulfillment of all desires. This project, which was very close to Guru Mani's heart, was a part of his dream to reach the art form of Bharatnatyam to the masses and provide it to all who had the desire to learn but could not afford to.
The Ashram is being set on a 3-acre plot in Titwala, about 75 kms north east of Mumbai. Titwala is well known for the temple of Lord Ganapati, which attracts thousands of devotees regularly. The site has a historical background where Karma Maharishi had his ashram in this region and Shakuntala, immortalized by poet Kalidas grew up here and worshipped the Ganapati idol in the present temple. The location is amidst natural surroundings away from the hush of daiy life yet easily approachable by rail and road. Conception of the Ashram comes from the Vedas that have been handed over to us through Guru-Shishya parampara or Gurukul tradition. The Natya Veda is considered as the fifth Veda and this unique Gurukul system has enabled Indian art and culture to survive and flourish from time immemorial.
The Chintamani Ashram is conceived as a Center of Excellence where music, dance and other fine arts would be taught and practiced with the dignity and sublime value that our ancestors had placed on them. The center would acquire a deemed University status for training, performing, research and development in the different forms of art keeping true to the traditional Gurukul system.
Objectives:
Promotion of national-international integration through the medium of fine arts will be the prime objective of the Ashram. The Ashram will aim at creating an atmosphere of mutual trust, affection, respect and brotherhood amongst gurus, artistes and students representing music, dance and other art forms from different partsof India and abroad. On receiving training in the Ashram, a student would be moulded as a good artiste and also a human being of character who would be an asset to the society, nation and humanity as a whole.
Proposed activities:
The study and propagation of the following faculties are envisaged at the center with additions and expansions in future:
a. Classical Dance forms of India : i)Bharatanatyam ii)Kathak iii)Kathakali iv) Kuchipudi v) Maanipuri vi) Odiissi vii)Mohiniattam
b. Classical Music: i) Hindustani — Vocal & Instrumental ii)Karnatic — Vocal & Instrumental
c. Folk Arts from different states
d. Yoga and Sanskrit
e. Painting, Sculpture and other allied arts
f. Academic, Social and Medical Services
g. Classical Music and dance forms of foreign / western countries
Target Group
a. Local students, under-privileged but interested in learning fine arts.
b. Students from different places coming on weekends and holidays.
c. Students who wish to stay in the Ashram and pursue study of music, dance and other art forms.
d. Artistes or gurus to come as visiting dignitaries for performances and teaching.
e. Artistes or gurus to stay as residents, work for new creations, experimentation, research and development.
f. Disabled children who can use art (dance, music, etc.) as a therapy for improvement.
