ABOUT US
Dr. Vijayalakshmi Villadathu (Viji), is the Managing Director and Founder of Thakajum Indian Dance & Music Academy.
She is a trained Bharatnatyam dancer, she learned dance for several years, initially as a child from Guru Smt. Kala Govardhan and later from different dance schools under the guidance of various well known professional Bharatnatyam dancers.
Among other activities, she devotes her time to pursue her passion for dance as well.
She is the former President of Deutsch-Indische Gesellschaft (Indo-German Society) - Nürnberg Franken, 2013-2020, that fosters cultural and political exchanges between the 2 countries.
She is a member of the International Dance Council (CID c/o UNESCO, Paris, France).
Viji is an Engineer with an MBA and Doctorate in Business Administration with senior leadership positions in Telecom, Banking and IT Consulting Industry for more than 28 years and Adjunct Professor teaching IT and Business.
Saranya K Varma is passionate about Carnatic Music and has been pursuing the same under her Guru - Shri Keshavan Namboothiri for the past 10-12 years.
She has performed at several stages and won multiple prizes starting from her school days. Before moving to Germany, she used to participate in the Chembai Sangeetholsavam event which occurs every year. She also had the opportunity to sing in a devotional album titled “Krishna Neeye”.
Saranya is an engineer by profession and is currently pursuing her Master’s at the University of Erlangen.
Sparsha began Bharatnatyam training at age 4 in the Thanjavoor style with Guru Smt. Krishnakumari, achieving her arangetram at 14. She excelled in various dance forms and won awards in school youth festivals.
Beyond dance, she has a passion for diverse dance styles, choreography, and teaching. Her achievements include Mrs. India Millennial Best Smile, Malayali Manka Special Jury, and being a Mrs. India Corporate Queen 2019 finalist.
She holds a postgraduate degree in Data Science and works as a Project Manager.
She also enjoys hosting events as a freelance EMCEE and has been recognized for her contributions to the field of art by KKPPWA, Bangalore.
Krithi Nagarajan is a talented Carnatic music singer with almost 10 years of training from Guru Smt. Roseline Francis and Guru Smt. Parvathy Mani. She has performed on many stages and recorded several songs. Krithi won 2nd place in a vocal music competition organized by the Government of Tamil Nadu and sang at the Chembai Sangeetholsavam.
In addition to singing, Krithi has learned the keyboard for almost 5 years. She is a passionate freestyle dancer and won 3rd prize in a folk dance competition by the Government of Tamil Nadu. She served as the Organizing Secretary of her college's Fine Arts Club and performed at the 75th Republic Day event in Erlangen.
Currently, Krithi handles the Instagram social media page for Thakajum. She is also pursuing her master's degree at FAU Erlangen, continuing her journey in music and dance.
Sarath Varma is a Mridangam artist learning and performing the instrument for past 15 years. He has performed in various prestigious venues and events in India and Germany.
Sarath began his formal training at the age of 12 under the tutelage of his guru Sri. Kudamaloor Sukumaran, a renowned musician and teacher in Kerala. He has also had the privilege of performing in various prestigious venues and events soon after his ‚Arangettam’ in 2007. Under his Guru Sri Cherthala N Sreekumar Varma's guidance he is also exploring new avenues to expand his knowledge and repertoire.
He is a passionate about promoting the rich tradition of Mridangam and to contribute to its growth and evolution. Sarath is currently working as a semiconductor design engineer in an MNC in Munich.
Geetha Ravindran is a coordinator at Thakajum. She has done folk and semi-classical dance performances from the age of 5. While also performing on behalf of Thakajum, she helps in bringing together the performers and addressing any specific needs.
She is an engineer by profession and a student of dance for life.
Mrs. Swetha Chittoju is the Dance Co-ordinator at Thakajum. She is a Bollywood freestyle Dancer and has been performing since a very young age and took part in many dance competitions at State level.
Being a dance enthusiast she attended many workshops and is a performing artist. She believes Dance is the way of feeling the Joy, a medium of expressing the emotions and art that involves your body and soul.
Swetha is currently training herself in Kathak and she holds a degree in MBA.
Thakajum Indian Dance & Music Academy as an institution is a member of International Dance Council (CID c/o UNESCO, Paris, France)
