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Testimonials

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"...I have greatly appreciated Sujatha’s various performances, what immediately comes to mind is Sujatha’s recent performance telling the story of Lord Krishna and one of His devotees. Her performance was nothing short of stunning and heart warming..."

Dr. Wilson Varghese
Senior Economist and Advisor (retd)
Formerly of the International Monetary Fund , Canada

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Darshana Jhaveri

Recipient of National SNA Award,President 's Padmashri Award, Director Manipuri Nartanalaya,

(Mumbai ,Kolkata,Manipur)

I have known Guru Smt.Jayashri Nair for many years in Mumbai as a very knowledgeable Guru, dancer having mastery  over Mohiniattam and Bharatanatyam dance styles. She has an exceptional creative talent which is discernible in her many choreographic works. A meticulous teacher having trained many students  including her daughter disciple Sujata Nair to become accomplished artists who are regularly  performing under Upaasana ,her institution which has made its name participating in many festivals and Conferences in Mumbai and other parts of India. Upaasana arranges Competitions, big festivals,presenting Dance dramas, Programs of high standard. Smt.Jayashri Nair is a very warm ,sincere, hard working,dedicated Guru.Her contribution to promote and propagate our Classical Indian dance art is unparalleled.  I, Darshana  Jhaveri, one of the four Jhaveri Sisters, specialized in Classical Manipuri Dance for the last 60 years to preserve, perpetuate, & propagate under Guru Bipin Singh, feel fortunate to have come in very close contact with such a well known Guru Smt. Jayashri Nair. I wish Upaasana a great success.

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Dr. Wilson Varghese

Senior Economist and Advisor (retd) Formerly of the International Monetary Fund , Canada

Good to note that Upaasana now has gone live with a well-designed and functioning website. Delighted to note the contents of the website.  I have watched some of the performances put forth by Upaasana students and Sujatha. I have greatly appreciated Sujatha’s various performances, what immediately comes to mind is Sujatha’s recent performance telling the story of Lord Krishna and one of His devotees. Her performance was nothing short of stunning and heart warming. At the end of the performance, it brought tears to my eyes, resonating the feelings of the devotee. Truly touching and remarkable. I know, the success of this and other performances, in no uncertain terms, is attributable to Mrs. Jayashree and her unique approach to storytelling and choreography. Warmest regards and every success to Upaasana and its students.

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Kalashri Nambisan  
Tala Vadya Shilpi

Recipient of National SNA Award,President 's Padmashri Award, Director Manipuri Nartanalaya, (Mumbai ,Kolkata,Manipur)

For the past four decades, I have known Smt. Jayashree Nair – Founder Director of Upaasana Akademy of Fine Arts. She is a wonderful soul whose commitment, hard work, and self-confidence have greatly contributed to making Upaasana a wonderful place for upcoming dancers to learn new skills and techniques. It has always been about discipline, commitment, and most importantly, the friendship we have nurtured beautifully, and since then I have always been warmly welcomed by your fantastic team. Smt. Sujata Nair – Executive Director, performer, and a very talented personality – has been like a star, growing with a group of wonderful, dedicated, and passionate individuals, patiently carrying forward the needs of the family tradition and the institution. May luck surround you always, and may God shower blessings on your institution. I feel truly fortunate to have been a part of Upaasana for decades as both an instrumental accompanist and an instructor.

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​P. S. Subramaniyan

Sri Subramania Samaj Managing Trustee, Shanmukhapriya Charity Trust, Mumbai

I am happy to know that Upasana Akademy of Fine Arts has launched a website to promote its activities. Upasana is the brainchild of Smt. Jayashree Nair and her husband Shri T. Sudhakaran Nair, both of whom are sincere, hardworking, and dedicated to the promotion of Bharatanatyam and Mohiniyattam. Jayashree is a reputed teacher and an excellent choreographer, and her unique style of storytelling and choreography is evident in all her productions. She has been a faculty member of our Shanmukhapriya Dance Class, teaching Bharatanatyam and Mohiniyattam for the last four decades, and many students who have learnt under her tutelage have gone on to establish their own institutes not only in Mumbai but also in other parts of the country and abroad. She also serves as the coordinator of the Natyanjali Dance Festival, which Shanmukhapriya has been organizing every year on the occasion of Maha Shivaratri for the past fifteen years. Natyanjali has now become very popular, attracting dancers of all styles from across the country and abroad. Upasana's contribution to the promotion of art and culture is truly laudable, and I convey my best wishes to the Upasana family for continued success in the years to come.

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Anilkumar Kappillil

Advocate

It is my pleasure and privilege to offer my best wishes and prayers to Upaasana for two significant reasons. First and foremost, Upaasana is the brainchild of Smt. Jayashree Nair, one of the world-renowned exponents of Indian classical dance, who, in my view, is a living legend of the Natyashastra propounded by the great Indian sage Bharathamuni. In an era witnessing a cultural renaissance in India, Smt. Nair’s remarkable contributions toward the protection, promotion, and preservation of Indian classical dances and culture deserve to be applauded by all Indians, as her efforts have been successfully realized through Upaasana. The second reason is that Sujatha, daughter of Smt. Jayashree Nair, has imbibed the noblest qualities of her mother and continues to carry the mission forward with dedication. An exemplary dancer herself, Sujatha has already brought laurels to Upaasana, as is evident from the superior performances of her students. I wholeheartedly wish Upaasana continued success, recognition, and blessings in the years to come.

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​Ramesh Ramamoorthy

President - Managing Committee,
The Fine Arts Society 

Huge congratulations to Guruji Jayashree Akka and Upaasana for their wonderful service to humanity by promoting our arts and culture for several decades. Her choreography has always been outstanding, and her students continue to outshine one another. I feel truly proud of her achievements and her unwavering dedication, and I have always been mesmerized by the performances of her disciples. I would also like to add that we are both alumni of SIWS School, Wadala, which gives me an additional reason to take pride in her journey. I wish her and Upaasana the very best to continue serving humanity and enriching our cultural heritage for centuries to come.

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K G Raman

Retired Reserve Bank Official

Upaasana’s remarkable journey under the able leadership of its Founder, Smt. Jayashree Nair. With her dedication and vision, she has nurtured and developed the institution to its glorious heights, making it what it is today. Under the auspices of Upaasana, thousands of students, from budding talents to accomplished artists, have grown and carved a name for themselves in various classical dance styles including Bharatanatyam, Mohiniattam, and Odissi. Smt. Jayashree Nair, a humble and devoted personality, has surrendered herself completely to Lord Krishna with her guiding mantra of “Krushnaarppanam.” It is a matter of great pride that she has also groomed her daughter, Smt. Sujata Nair, and granddaughter, Sharanya, in different dance forms, thus carrying forward the rich legacy. Smt. Sujata Nair has established her own niche with many brilliant Bharatanatyam performances, further adding to Upaasana’s prestige. May God continue to bless Smt. Jayashree Nair and her dedicated team to achieve greater heights and make Upaasana a household name across generations. Kudos once again to Smt. Jayashree Nair and her able team for their outstanding achievements.

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​Fr. Albert Gonsalves

Fatima High School

Vidyavihar

God the Almighty has blessed every human being with showers of blessings, talents, goodness, and creativity, but often these gifts remain hidden under the cover of ignorance. To bring out and nurture such talents, goodness, and creativity, one needs the guidance of experts. These experts, in the form of choreographers, musicians, singers, painters, and other artists, help individuals discover and express their hidden treasures. Upaasana Dance Academy is one such institution that has been doing remarkable work in bringing out the talent for dance in students. The choreographers, well-versed in classical dance, have trained students of Fatima School at Vidyavihar for various programs and graduations, and through their dedication, experience, and skill, they have successfully moulded students into confident performers. I have personally witnessed and experienced their efforts, perseverance, and commitment in this noble task. I sincerely appreciate the work done by Upaasana Dance Akademy and extend my best wishes for their continued success in all future endeavors.

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Charusheela Sable Vachhani

Film & Theatre Artist

I am an ex-student of Nalanda and a disciple of Dr. Kanak Rele (Mohiniattam) and Krishnan Kutty Warrier (Kathakali). Over the years, I have had the privilege of performing on various occasions in India and abroad, alongside my journey as a film and theatre personality. My father, the legendary Padmashree Shahir Sable, a pioneer in Maharashtra folk theatre, sowed the seeds of theatre in my heart, and I have been fortunate to give several successful performances in film and theatre, the most popular being the highly acclaimed show Maharashtrachi Lokdhara. My dearest friend, Smt. Jayashree Nair, has dedicated her entire life to classical dance, and I have been following her inspiring work since 1976. Through her institution, Upaasana, she has performed across the world, conducted workshops, and presented productions in multiple classical dance forms such as Mohiniattam, Odissi, Bharatanatyam, and Carnatic Sangeet, often extending her art for charitable causes as well. I have witnessed her powerful choreographies, as well as those of her talented daughter, Smt. Sujatha Nair, whose performances beautifully integrate classical artistry with social messages. It brings me immense joy to see Sujatha carry forward her mother’s legacy with dedication, and now the third generation, Sharanya, joining them to continue Upaasana’s glorious heritage. My heartfelt regards and best wishes to Upaasana and to these remarkable women who are contributing so much to the preservation and promotion of classical dance.

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​T.R. Balu

Proprietor
Process Automation & Control

In this great divine creation, we find art in all living beings, and humans—the most superior of them on Earth—have been gifted with innumerable fine forms of art and creativity. As a scientist and sportsman with a deep appreciation for the arts, I greatly admire the dedicated and tireless efforts of Upaasana in uplifting and preserving the dance arts. Dance and music are among the most expressive forms of art, and India, the center of the world’s oldest civilization, has nurtured some of the finest traditions of them. Upaasana School of Dance, with its devoted and highly knowledgeable teachers who blend traditional wisdom with creative, innovative ideas, continues to groom some of the finest dancers in Bharatanatyam, Mohiniattam, and many more forms. As art lovers, we extend our heartfelt wishes for continued success and ever-greater heights to Upaasana.

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Indumati Raman 

Author
Bhagavata Mela- My Tryst With Tradition

Congratulations to Smt. Jayashree Nair, Sujatha Nair, and the entire team for completing forty years of dedicated service in promoting our rich tradition of Natyam among young learners. I have known Jayashree since 1997, when Sujatha was selected to be awarded the Ranga Shree award. Sujatha has grown into a supreme example of her mother’s training, excelling in Mohiniattam, Bharatanatyam, and music. Upaasana has truly proven to be a success story in every aspect, be it dance ballets, the Natyanjali festivals, or collaborative projects. I wish the institution continued success and all the very best for the future.

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Manjula Cherkil

Research Associate, Writer And Translator

Five College Women Study Center,  USA

I had the privilege of acquainting myself with Upasana Academy of Fine Arts when I watched a program by Sujatha Nair and her group at Chottanikkara Temple some time ago. It was very easy to connect with the music and dance, and the performers were wonderful, doing an excellent job that conveyed their joy and enthusiasm. The production was remarkable, with dancers who were expressive and poised, lovely costumes, and enchanting music, and everything about it was gorgeous. I extend my heartfelt best wishes to Upasana in its continued endeavors to keep traditional South Indian classical dance forms alive and thriving.

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​Jayakumar Thekath

Vice President of ABB (retd)

Congratulations to Upaasana on the launch of your website. I am sure it will serve as a great source of inspiration for Indian Classical Dance lovers. I would also like to acknowledge the dedication of Jayashree, Sujatha, and their family members toward the growth and betterment of this art form. Wishing you all the very best always.

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Prakriti Kashyap

Bharatnatyam, Seraikella Chau Dancer,

Researcher and Writer

I have known Guru Smt.Jayashri Nair for many years in Mumbai as a very knowledgeable Guru, dancer having mastery  over Mohiniattam and Bharatanatyam dance styles. She has an exceptional creative talent which is discernible in her many choreographic works. A meticulous teacher having trained many students  including her daughter disciple Sujata Nair to become accomplished artists who are regularly  performing under Upaasana ,her institution which has made its name participating in many festivals and Conferences in Mumbai and other parts of India. Upaasana arranges Competitions, big festivals,presenting Dance dramas, Programs of high standard. Smt.Jayashri Nair is a very warm ,sincere, hard working,dedicated Guru.Her contribution to promote and propagate our Classical Indian dance art is unparalleled.  I, Darshana  Jhaveri, one of the four Jhaveri Sisters, specialized in Classical Manipuri Dance for the last 60 years to preserve, perpetuate, & propagate under Guru Bipin Singh, feel fortunate to have come in very close contact with such a well known Guru Smt. Jayashri Nair. I wish Upaasana a great success.

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Mary Thomas

My heartiest congratulations and best wishes to dear Jayashree, her pillar of strength Sudhakar ji and her very talented daughter Sujata. Through Upaasana, they have been rendering commendable service to the field of dance for over four decades, nurturing tradition with devotion and excellence. I wish them continued success in all their artistic endeavors.

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S. Kalyanasundaram

Sr. Managing Committee Member,

Sri Subramania Samaj President,

Chhedanagar Education Society

I have known Guru Smt.Jayashri Nair for many years in Mumbai as a very knowledgeable Guru, dancer having mastery  over Mohiniattam and Bharatanatyam dance styles. She has an exceptional creative talent which is discernible in her many choreographic works. A meticulous teacher having trained many students  including her daughter disciple Sujata Nair to become accomplished artists who are regularly  performing under Upaasana ,her institution which has made its name participating in many festivals and Conferences in Mumbai and other parts of India. Upaasana arranges Competitions, big festivals,presenting Dance dramas, Programs of high standard. Smt.Jayashri Nair is a very warm ,sincere, hard working,dedicated Guru.Her contribution to promote and propagate our Classical Indian dance art is unparalleled.  I, Darshana  Jhaveri, one of the four Jhaveri Sisters, specialized in Classical Manipuri Dance for the last 60 years to preserve, perpetuate, & propagate under Guru Bipin Singh, feel fortunate to have come in very close contact with such a well known Guru Smt. Jayashri Nair. I wish Upaasana a great success.

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Chandra Subramanian

Bharatanatyam Artiste, Choreographer and Dance Teacher Founder Member of BHAWA, An association promotes Indian Classical Dance in the UAE.

Congratulations on the launch of Upaasana’s website, yet another feather in its illustrious cap. I have had the honour and privilege of knowing Jayashree ma’am since childhood and have witnessed Upaasana grow from strength to strength through her dedication, commitment, and untiring efforts. Her passion for Indian classical dance is truly laudable, and her ability to spot and nurture talent is remarkable, with many of her students reaching great heights under her guidance. An epitome of simplicity and modesty, Jayashree ma’am has always been an inspiration through her work ethos and devotion to the art form. I recently had the opportunity to perform in the Natyanjali Dance Festival of Sree Subramania Samaj Temple, Chembur, organized under her guidance, and was deeply impressed by the impeccable arrangements, from the careful selection of artistes and program scheduling to the flawless onstage presentations. Natyanjali was a testimony to her organizational skills and her ability to create platforms for excellence. I am confident that Upaasana will continue to scale new and magnificent heights under Jayashree ma’am’s leadership, with the strong support of her talented protégé, Mrs. Sujatha Nair. May God bless Jayashree ma’am with abundant strength and energy to continue promoting the divine art of Indian classical dance with the same passion and spirit that has always defined her journey.

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Mary Thomas

Tax Professional &

Recognised Tamil Poet

My heartiest congratulations and best wishes to dear Jayashree, her pillar of strength Sudhakar ji and her very talented daughter Sujata. Through Upaasana, they have been rendering commendable service to the field of dance for over four decades, nurturing tradition with devotion and excellence. I wish them continued success in all their artistic endeavors.

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Suman Badami

Director 

Natya Vimarsha Centre for Dance

A revered Guru, a great exponent and a wonderful artist, Guru Jayashree Nair ji has nurtured, trained and encouraged several students in learning and excelling in the classical dance forms of Bharatanatyam and Mohiniyattam with dedication and passion at her institution Upaasana Academy. I enjoy all their performances as they are so creatively put together with wonderful themes and choreography that are a delight to watch. Her talented and accomplished daughter Sujatha Nair has imbibed the same sincerity and dedication as her illustrious mother and I have always admired the intensity and focus she brings to her performances. It is wonderful to see young Sharanya blossom under the guidance of her grandmother and mother. The Natyanjali Festival curated by Guru Jayashree at the Subramanya Samaj temple, with great care to showcase upcoming talent, senior dancers and Natyacharyas, is one of the most prestigious festivals and draws artists and audience from all over. The warmth and hospitality of the organisers and the divine ambience of the festival is what makes this very special. My humble pranams and best wishes always to Guru Jayashree ji and all at Upaasana for scaling even greater heights in their service to the arts.

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Ramchandran Iyer

It has been a fascinating experience with Upaasana for almost four and a half decades. Upaasana is one of the premier academies catering to various styles of Indian classical dance. Be it Bharatanatyam, Mohiniyattam, Kathakali, or even Odissi, Upaasana is the first name that comes to my mind. I have had the privilege of accompanying three generations of dancers from Upaasana, and I can say without hesitation that the experience has been truly fantastic. On this auspicious occasion of the website launch, I extend my very best wishes to Jayashree, Sudhakar, Sujatha, Sharanya, and all the proud Upaasanites.

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Nisha Gilbert

Entrepreneur 
( Nupur School of Dance)

It has been a fascinating experience to learn under Guru Smt. Jayashree Nair and Guru Smt. Sujatha Nair. Watching Jayashree ma’am’s choreography is truly a treat. The explanations and interpretations she shares during class are extremely helpful in guiding each dancer to perfect their presentation and understand the subtle nuances of the performance in detail. The most admirable virtues I have observed in both gurus are their modesty and their ability to appreciate all artists without being judgmental of their calibre or efficiency.

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Shashibala Clement Sequeira

I have known Jayashree since our school days. She began learning dance from a renowned teacher at an early age, and over the years, she has mastered and incorporated all the essential qualities of a great dancer, including creativity, choreography, expression, style, movements, grace, and flow. When she performs, it is as if she was born to dance. Jayashree has a unique ability to connect with her audience and is truly a gifted artist. Today, she runs a dance academy where her daughter Sujatha and granddaughter Sharanya are her ardent students. I wish Jayashree all the very best in her future endeavors.

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Koattakkal Jayan

The international centre for Kathakali, 
Vocalist and Teacher

I am very happy to be associated with Upaasana. Every time I come to Mumbai for Upaasana programs, it feels almost like a family reunion. I thoroughly enjoy composing and singing for the performances. The programs are simply wonderful, with excellent choreography and perfect presentation. I feel lucky and proud to be working with Jayashree Chechi and Sujatha.

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Priya Ramesh

Every form of art has its own niche, and dance is unique in the way it allows one to emote purely through the eyes. The gestures and steps hold their importance, but it is a dancer’s eyes that truly embody the soul of the character they portray. I have been fortunate to witness some deeply moving performances by Smt. Sujatha Nair, daughter of Smt. Jayashree Nair, the founder of Upaasana. Among her many works, Bhaktha Meera and Draupadi remain etched in my heart, as her portrayal brought tears to my eyes and left me overwhelmed with emotion. It took me a while to compose myself and continue watching. How blessed it is for her to have her own mother as her Guru, guiding her in this divine art. May God bless them both with many more years of creativity and soulful expression. I send my warmest wishes and positive energy to Upaasana for continued success and blessings always.

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Jayshree Vasudevan

Performing Artist

Jayshree Nair and dance are truly synonymous, one cannot exist without the other. My association with her goes back a long way as we began our training under the same Guru, but I have had the privilege of reconnecting with dance and performing once again under her guidance through Upaasana. Her dedication, hard work, and unconditional love for the art form are unparalleled, and creating a visual treat on stage with her committed students is her forte. Rooted in tradition, whether it is Bharatanatyam or Mohiniyattam, Jayshree has the ability to transport you into a world of magic, wonder, devotion, and surrender. Her students are truly blessed to have her as their mentor, just as she has been for me, a friend, guide and philosopher. I am certain that with the constant support of her husband Mr. Sudhakaran Nair, their immensely talented daughter Sujatha, and their vibrant granddaughter Sharanya, this legacy of dance will continue to flourish for the benefit of future generations. My heartfelt best wishes to Upaasana and its members for all their future endeavors

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Girish Vasudevan

​Director

Orion Enterprises

PVT LTD

Over the past several years, through my wife’s association with Upaasana, I have had the privilege of observing the dedicated work of Jayashree Nair, her daughter Sujatha, and the constant support of her husband Sudhakaran. I have always admired the skill, devotion, and passion that the entire team pours into everything they do, whether it is teaching students, creating dance productions, or engaging in social activities. Jayashree’s choreography, in particular, stands out for her remarkable ability to transform an idea into a graceful and meaningful dance presentation. With the launch of the new website, I am certain that Upaasana will continue to grow and scale even greater heights. My best wishes to the entire team.

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Muralidharan Kizhakkedath

Retired Scientific Officer
NPCIL

DAE

I am delighted to hear about the launch of the website and I extend my best wishes for all future endeavors to promote young talents in Indian traditional art forms across the world, even during these challenging times of the pandemic, through the tireless efforts of Smt. Jayashree Nair and her colleagues. I wish all the artists a bright and successful future ahead.

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V. Radhakrishnan. 

Manager
Chemical Corporation Of India

Hats off to Upaasana Dance Academy for reaching such great heights by delivering brilliant performances across India while also training students of all ages in classical dance forms. I am truly proud to be associated with Upaasana and extend my everlasting prayers and blessings for its continued success.

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Bal Subramanian

Proud to witness the upliftment of Indian culture through Upaasana, a true reflection of dedication and commitment. The credit goes to its Guru for guiding the group towards perfection, and I feel truly proud of this achievement.

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Mallika

My daughter Radhika started learning dance with Mrs. Jayashree Nair when she was six years old. She continued her training throughout school and college and successfully completed her arangetram while also participating in numerous dance ballets. Upaasana is not just a regular dance academy; it is truly a family that has stood by us through many challenging times. Jayashree teacher instills values in the children, helps build their character, and is like a mother to all. Both she and her daughter Sujata are deeply passionate about dance and are exceptional instructors. I am extremely grateful to be part of the Upaasana Academy family and highly recommend it.

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Jayanthi Krishnakumar

Retd Correspondent ,

Mohan Group of Schools & Writer

This happened 40 years ago in Cheddanagar, Mumbai, when I went to Subramanya Swamy Temple with my four-year-old daughter. In a large hall, I saw a tutor teaching Bharatanatyam to students, and her dedication to the art, patience in training children, and attention to detail inspired me to immediately enroll my daughter in their academy. From that day until her arangetram and beyond, my daughter became part of the Upaasana family. Later, we moved to Hyderabad, and though my daughter never gave up her passion for dance, she could not find a Guru who matched the guidance and inspiration that Jayashree Teacher provided in mind, heart, and art. Now, after 25 years, her thirst for dance is being fulfilled as she continues her training under Guru Jayashree Nair, her most revered teacher. As a parent, I have always admired Teacher’s commitment, as she consistently makes her students practice adavus and perfect the basics until she is completely satisfied.

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Geeta Naidu

Upaasana ka laakshanik arth hai kisi vastu mein honewali atyadhik aasakti ya usi mein bhaav magna hone ki bhaavna. Bhaav shringaar ka hai vishal aakaar, in a monument of bhaav shringaar. Sanjo rakha hai ek parivar, a beautiful family has been formed. Ek mala ke moti hai sab, the students are all beads of one necklace. Shiksha ke mandir ki jyoti hai sab, they are all the lamps of the temple of education. Nahin hai yeh keval ek mahavidyalay ka praangan, it is not just the quadrangle of an institution. Yeh toh hai sneh, bhaav-bhakti se saja, Shree Upaasana ke ghar ka aangan, it is the beautiful courtyard of Shree Upaasana that has been decorated with love and bhaav-bhakti.

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Hema Subramanian

Consulting Nutritionist and Dietician

Upaasana Academy, run by Guru Jayashree Nair and Sujatha Nair, is truly a blessing from Lord Nataraja in the present age. Their dedication, compassion, and the love they invest in their students and their families are remarkable and beyond words. I have known both Gurus for many years, and their sadhana and devotion are a blessing in disguise. I wish them the very best and hope that more and more young children join the Academy to benefit from their guidance. All the best to them, and may they continue their excellent work and devotion to the Lord.

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Sudha Bharat

Drishya Kala Academy, Chennai

Smt. Jayashree Nair has been closely associated with our family, she being one of the long-time students of my father-in-law, the late Shri G.V. Ramani. She is deeply committed to spreading this art form, is very approachable, and always ready to help. I wish her all success

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Sanjay Nair

Field and Access Management

Tech Support

Congratulations on the launch of Upaasana’s website, yet another feather in its illustrious cap. I have had the honour and privilege of knowing Jayashree ma’am since childhood and have witnessed Upaasana grow from strength to strength through her dedication, commitment, and untiring efforts. Her passion for Indian classical dance is truly laudable, and her ability to spot and nurture talent is remarkable, with many of her students reaching great heights under her guidance. An epitome of simplicity and modesty, Jayashree ma’am has always been an inspiration through her work ethos and devotion to the art form. I recently had the opportunity to perform in the Natyanjali Dance Festival of Sree Subramania Samaj Temple, Chembur, organized under her guidance, and was deeply impressed by the impeccable arrangements, from the careful selection of artistes and program scheduling to the flawless onstage presentations. Natyanjali was a testimony to her organizational skills and her ability to create platforms for excellence. I am confident that Upaasana will continue to scale new and magnificent heights under Jayashree ma’am’s leadership, with the strong support of her talented protégé, Mrs. Sujatha Nair. May God bless Jayashree ma’am with abundant strength and energy to continue promoting the divine art of Indian classical dance with the same passion and spirit that has always defined her journey.

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Guru Smt. Asha Nambiar

Founder and President, Vaishnovi Kalakshetra

I cherish my long-standing association with Upaasana Academy of Fine Arts, which is committed to nurturing and developing excellent dancers with a holistic understanding of the arts. I am confident that under the able leadership of Smt. Jayashree Nair ji and Smt. Sujatha Nair ji, Upaasana Academy will reach even greater heights.

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Shree Chetan Venilal Saraiya

Nrityatapasya Kathak Academy

Upaasana Institute, where Smt. Jayashree Nair ji is a great teacher, mentor, and guru, not only teaches Indian classical dances such as Bharatanatyam and Mohiniyattam but has also been instilling Indian cultural values into the minds of the younger generation for almost four decades. Her immense ocean of knowledge has helped many dancers across the country succeed not only in their art but also in their lives. Words alone cannot describe Smt. Jayashree Nair ji or fully unveil her achievements. I, Mr. Chetan Saraiya, Kathak exponent, have known Smt. Jayashree Nair ji for almost seven years, and with each passing day, my bond with her has strengthened, connected through the universal language of music and dance. She has provided renowned festival platforms, such as Natyanjali, to young budding dancers of all classical dance forms of India. I extend my very best wishes to Smt. Jayashree Nair ji for all her future ventures and hope she continues spreading the knowledge of our dance culture and traditions all over the world.

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Guru. Dr. Naresh Pillai

Artistic Director

Human movements have aesthetic and symbolic value and are acknowledged as beautiful dance. The value of dance lies in self-creation and fulfillment by using the body to create art and to access inner beauty and strength. A beautiful performance is deeply emotional and requires stepping fully into the experience, which distinguishes one dancer from another. Dancing is a wonderful activity that challenges and nurtures the rigors of life. Smt. Jayashree Nair works tirelessly in preparation for her shows, and her institute, Upaasana, presents unique and remarkable performances from time to time. She has been training students diligently while promoting our culture, and I am proud of her work, wishing her and her disciples every success in all their future endeavors.

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R.Karthikeyan

Chief Coach

Quest Sales Training Academy

I am Karthikeyan from Chennai, someone whose passion lies in theatre, arts, and life skills. I am a regular invitee to share wisdom from spiritual texts such as the Bhagavad Gita and Thirukural, and I have acted in the movie On a Quest, a biopic on Swami Chinmayananda, portraying Swami Tapovan Maharaj, his guru. At the outset, my heartfelt wishes to Upaasana Academy of Fine Arts for its success in inspiring the masses through classical dance forms. I know Smt. Jayashree Nair through my brother Sri P.V. Menon, Mumbai, and I am always amazed at her passion for dance and her ability to use it as a medium to communicate ancient wisdom through devotion and dedication. When this communication is delivered with music and bhava, its reach becomes truly miraculous. Her daughter, Smt. Sujatha Nair, and granddaughter, Ms. Sharanya, are now carrying forward the significance of Bharatanatyam and Mohiniyattam to seekers. What makes Upaasana stand out as an academy is its contribution to special causes, including a series of concert dances and mythological ballets performed by specially enabled children across India, an initiative that requires commitment, sacrifice, patience, and unconditional love, creating a profound positive impact on the children, their parents, and the larger audience. I feel immense pride in Smt. Jayashree, Smt. Sujatha, and Ms. Sharanya. The academy also imparts regular training to students aged three and above, showcasing their talent through Salanga Pooja, Arangetram, and thematic performances. I am confident that, in line with its vision, the academy will continue to graduate thousands of talented dancers while keeping our nation’s rich heritage at the forefront of the world of dance and music. With the blessings of the Supreme, the flag of Upaasana will always fly high.

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Rtn. Kumar Pillay

Head Branding and Communications

Shree Cement LTD Club President

Rotary Club of Mumbai Ghatkopar(W)

Congratulations on creating a website for Upaasana. This was the need of the hour; otherwise, like unsung heroes, your dedication and achievements would have gone unnoticed. Now that you have a platform to showcase your activities, it will be easier for dance connoisseurs to engage and enhance their knowledge. Perhaps you may need a portal to accommodate the laurels showered upon the respected dance teacher Jayashree Nair and her daughter Sujata. They deserve every bit of recognition. And not to forget the man behind the screen, Mr. Sudhakaran Nair, who, with his knowledge and love for art, has contributed tremendously to the growth of Upaasana. What is special about Upaasana? It has dedicated teachers like Jayashree Nair and Sujata Nair at the helm of affairs. Jayashree Nair seamlessly blends the art and science of dancing – one of the reasons for her emergence as an effective dance teacher. All dancers are not necessarily good teachers; selflessly imparting one’s own learning is an art in itself. Her ability to design courses and bring out the best even in an average student is commendable. She has also created a ballet with differently-abled children. I am sure that if we were to do a DNA test, her blood group would be D+ve (Dance +ve). From childhood, she was passionate about dance and pursued it religiously, mastering every type of dance, be it Bharatnatyam, Mohiniyattam, Kathak, or any form of folk dance. The audience looks forward to her innovation in every program, knowing that she will scale up with every performance. She is today a reputed and respected dance teacher because she has presented spectacular performances on stage through her students. Her patience is unparalleled, visible in the time and effort she puts into training each student. With her latest step of venturing into the southern region, I am sure the students in that zone will stand to gain immensely from her rich experience. I wish her and Upaasana all the very best.

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Ratnamani Shetty

Teacher Jayashree Nair is not like a teacher; she is a student's lovely mother. She first teaches good discipline, like Namaskaar to all elders, and then she loves her students like her own children. I have known her very well for thirty-seven years. She teaches very nicely, and I pray to God to please give her good health. I have known Upaasana too for thirty-seven years. Now its students are all over India and other countries, and they have also achieved a good name in dance. Upaasana performs beautiful ballets like Ramayana, Dashavatharam, Navavidha Bhakti, and many more. They also perform many beautiful dances for festivals like Onam and others. May God give Upaasana Academy good health and strength. All the best, and keep it up.

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Raghuram Shetty 

My humble pranamas to Jayashree Teacher. Upaasana is a great name. As we all get mesmerized by the true combination of melody and rhythm, Upaasana represents a true bonding of Guru and Shishya Parampara. I have been connected with Upaasana since my daughter was four years old, and now we are bonded with true emotions, like one family member. Jayashree Teacher is a real guru. Her thoughts and imagination will take Upaasana to greater heights, and you will witness the same through her ballet Dashavatharam. My best wishes are always with her, and may God bless her.

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G. Subramaniam

CIO (Retired )

The richness of India’s culture is immeasurable, and the contribution of dance to this heritage is indeed immense. Dance has traditionally been an important part of religion and culture in India, and through hand gestures (Mudras), acting, and pantomime, this sacred art tells tales from Indian mythology while fascinatingly depicting gods, humans, animals, and their emotions. Preserving and promoting this art form is extremely crucial to maintaining this rich cultural heritage, and Upaasana has indeed been performing a yeoman’s service in promoting dance as an art. Teaching this wonderful art, enabling youngsters to perform in public, and providing an opportunity for rasikas to enjoy it is a very noble endeavor by Upaasana. Salute to Jayashree Nair, who started this journey 45 years ago and remains active in ensuring it grows and flourishes through her daughter Sujatha and other disciples. I had the fortune of witnessing the brilliant performances of the students, and I wish Upaasana all the very best in growing from strength to strength.

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G. K. Edappally

Author short stories and poems

Upasana Academy of Classical Dance, Mumbai, is a very well-organized institution dedicated to Indian classical dance and Indian culture. Founded by Smt. Jayashree Nair half a century ago, the institution has made remarkable progress in fulfilling its commitment to the nation by nurturing and spreading India’s traditional culture not only within the country but also across the world. Today, Upasana has many disciples under the leadership of the young Smt. Sujatha Sanjay Nair, daughter of Smt. Jayashree and Sudhakaran Nair, and has recently established another school of classical performance in Coimbatore, catering to many students in the southern part of India. Apart from Bharatanatyam and Mohiniyattam, Upasana has produced numerous ballets such as Dasavatharam, Ramayanam, Radha Madhavam, and many more stories from Jayadeva’s Geetha Govindan. I have been fortunate to be associated with this proud academy of Indian classical culture, and I wish every success to Upasana in all its future endeavors.

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K Parameswaran

Vice Chairman

Dharmishta Mithran Trustee

Modern English School

I have the pleasure of being associated with Upasana Academy of Fine Arts and have been witnessing its growth since the beginning, for over four decades. It was founded by the able Smt. Jayashree Nair, supported by Mr. Sudhakar Nair, and the entire family, spanning three generations, is fully dedicated full-time to the growth of this cultural organization. The talent of Smt. Sujatha has always been appreciated by my wife, Smt. Sitalakshmi, who was the principal of her school. In fact, my daughter Kala was one of the students in the first batch of this academy. I have had the opportunity to witness the efficient way the academy trains its students, and they have produced several mythological ballets in the classical dance style. I am confident that Upasana will continue to reach new heights every day.

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Sucheta A. Menon

Home Maker

I admitted Aadhyaa into Upaasana Academy more than two years ago, when she was around five years old, bearing many apprehensions and hesitations about her ability to grasp and deliver what is expected of a student of Bharatnatyam. However, her respected Gurus, Jayashree Nair and Sujatha Nair, almost instantly put all my doubts and anxieties to rest. Their extensive experience in the field of dance, commendable ability to recognize and bring out the best in their students, simplicity, discipline, dedication, and admirable creativity in choreography simply won our hearts. What also appealed to us was that the academy offers both sound practical and theoretical knowledge and provides the necessary acknowledgments for the same, which can greatly enhance students’ credentials. Under their guidance, Aadhyaa has gained far more than dance skills—poise, grace, confidence, punctuality, and many other positive character virtues. Upaasana Academy has truly embodied the meaning behind its prestigious name, “Upaasana,” which signifies devotion, dedication, and worship. Here, I have witnessed my daughter progress from a complete novice to a budding student and, by the grace of the Almighty and the blessings of her Gurus, to a skilled performer of this honorable dance form. I will always be grateful to Upaasana Academy and these respectable Gurus.

Upaasana akademy

of fine arts(Estd.1976)

4, Avanti, Plot No.107, Chhedanagar,Chembur, Mumbai, 400 089.

Phone: 022-25251472  /  98197 99397 / 98692  77008 / 91670 44774

Email: upaasana1976@gmail.com 

(E 20293 Mumbai)

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