Bharatiya Vidya Bhavan, the seeds of which Kulapati Dr. K. M. Munshi had sowed in the year 1937 took roots and flowered into a Banyan tree of education, art and culture. It has been recognized by the Govt. of India as an ‘Educational Institution of National Eminence.’ Munshiji, looked upon the Bhavan as an ‘Adventure in Faith’, a faith in India’s past, present and future. It is also a faith in India’s people who have a rich and unbroken cultural heritage.
Munshiji gave equal importance to education, art and culture. The Bhavan believes that there are elements in all cultures which transcend all barriers and knit people together. Its ideal is: Vasudhaiva Kutumbakam: “The World Is One Family.” Its motto is: Aa no bhadraha kratavo yantu vishwatah: “Let noble thoughts come to us from every side.”
Keeping in with the tradition of Munshiji, Dr. M.L. Shrikant, Chairman, Bhavan’s Campus-Andheri established ‘Bhavan’s Cultural Centre – Andheri’ to promote Indian cultural heritage of classical music, classical dance and drama. Over the years BCCA has become a cultural hub of western suburbs of Mumbai.
Out of theatrical activities one concept that emerged was that of full length Natya Spardha involving all Gujarati theatrical groups from all over the world. In the later part of the year 2006, Bhavan’s Cultural Centre- Andheri decided to revive the old tradition of State Govt. and committed itself to hold the competition for at least 5 years in a row. This was done with an idea to provide fresh talents to Gujarati Theatre. Like minded people joined hands to make this a reality, most prominent among them being the Chitralekha Group, founded by Late Shri Vaju Kotak.
CHITRALEKHA NATYA SPARDHA Organized by Bhavan’s Cultural Centre – Andheri.
The journey began earnestly in 2007, the growth scenario is phenomenal.
The Growth and Achievement during 5 Years:
– Total number of 163 Entries were received from play producing and performing groups.
– Artists & Technicians that participated were approximately 2500.
