About
Shanti Kala Nikketan Academy of Fine Arts
Founded on 18 April 2009, Shanti Kala Nikketan (SKN) is dedicated to preserving, nurturing, and promoting the rich traditions of Indian classical arts through authentic education and artistic excellence.
Inspired by the vision of Founder Om – Guru – Om, Co-Founder & Director Sunitta Menghanaani has nurtured SKN into an institution where learning extends far beyond mastering dance. Rooted in the timeless Gurukulam tradition and the Kalakshetra Bani of Bharatanatyam, the academy cultivates discipline, knowledge, cultural understanding, and artistic excellence through a holistic approach to education.
At SKN, students are encouraged to develop a deeper appreciation of Bharatanatyam by exploring its connection with literature, mythology, music, and philosophy. We believe that classical dance is not merely a performing art but a way of understanding India’s rich cultural heritage and timeless values.
The foundation of our teaching lies in the sacred bond between Guru and Shishya — a relationship built on trust, dedication, mutual respect, and lifelong learning. It is through this philosophy that every student is guided to grow not only as a dancer, but also as a confident, disciplined, and culturally aware individual.
Today, with its headquarters in Chennai and an expanding international presence, Shanti Kala Nikketan proudly nurtures students in India and across the world, continuing its commitment to preserving the timeless traditions of Bharatanatyam while inspiring future generations through the universal language of dance.
- Students taught
- 1,500+Students taught
- Years of unbroken teaching
- 17Years of unbroken teaching
- Weekly batches
- 16Weekly batches
- Taught one to one
- 12Taught one to one
- Stages performed
- 20+Stages performed
- Countries with students
- 3Countries with students
Our Emblem
Read the mark
The emblem of Shanti Kala Nikketan is a visual reflection of the institution's philosophy, bringing together spirituality, artistic excellence, and the timeless values of the Guru–Shishya tradition.
01
Lord Ganesha
At its heart is Lord Ganesha — the remover of obstacles, and the embodiment of wisdom, auspicious beginnings, and harmony. He is specially drawn for this emblem, and each part of him carries one of the arts: the anklets at his feet represent dance, the shape of his stomach joins the Veena, symbolising music, and the hand mudra represents yoga. Together, they reflect our belief in the harmony of body, mind, art, and inner awareness, reminding us that every artistic journey begins with humility, devotion, and the pursuit of knowledge.
02
The three interwoven circles
The three interwoven circles symbolize the harmony and interconnectedness of dance, music, and the fine arts. Though each discipline has its own unique identity, together they enrich the artist's journey towards creativity, self-discovery, and the infinite.
03
The open palms
The open palms represent love, unity, peace, and selfless guidance — the values that form the foundation of Shanti Kala Nikketan. They reflect the nurturing bond between Guru and Shishya, where knowledge is shared with compassion and every learner is encouraged to grow with confidence and integrity.
04
The enclosing circle
The enclosing circle signifies wholeness, continuity, and the lifelong journey of learning. It reminds us that the pursuit of art is not merely about mastering a skill, but about continuous growth, inner transformation, and the preservation of tradition.
Together, these elements embody the spirit of Shanti Kala Nikketan — where the arts are nurtured with authenticity, discipline, and devotion, inspiring individuals to grow not only as accomplished artists but also as compassionate human beings.