Nagpur’s budding Bharatanatyam dancer, Kamakshi Hampiholi from Rashtrasant Tukdoji Maharaj Nagpur University bagged the first prize in the classical dance category at the 36th Inter-University National Youth Festival 2022-23 organized by JAIN University, Bangalore.
Kamakshi, a student of Hislop college and daughter of noted Bharatanatyam gurus, Dr. Kishoree and Kishor Hampiholi hold the prestigious CCRT scholarship. She was among the 24 participants from 8 different zones of India. Kamakshi represented the west zone in the nationals after she bagged the first prize in the 36th Inter-University zonal youth festival – Satrang, held last month, which was held at Ganpat University, Mehsana, Gujarat. She was first among over 30 participants.
Both these competitions were organized by the Association of Indian Universities, New Delhi.
Kamakshi was accompanied by her mother Dr. Kishoree Hampiholi on Nattuvangam, she was provided support on vocals by Somia Nedungadi from Ahmedabad and was accompanied on Mridangam by her brother Yashwant Hampiholi.
Kamakshi performed a rare Bharatanatyam item, ‘Nitya Kalyani’, which is a Devi stuti in different ragas. She mesmerized the judges and the audience with her apt footwork and dance-appropriate expressions, perfect for her age. Her devotion on stage was lauded by those present.
Kamakshi extends her heartfelt gratitude to her parents, teachers, and RTMNU team manager Mangesh Pathak who helped her in various ways during the competition.
