Lineage
A bond, not a transaction
The foundation of our teaching lies in the sacred bond between Guru and Shishya — trust, dedication, mutual respect, and lifelong learning.
Our Founder
Om – Guru – Om
Om – Guru – Om envisioned art not merely as a discipline to be learned, but as a sacred path towards self-discovery, devotion, and the realization of the Divine.
For him, every art form is an expression of the eternal — one that transcends the boundaries of language, culture, and time. Through sincere practice, Gyan (knowledge) and Bhakti (devotion), the artist discovers not only artistic excellence but also inner transformation.
His philosophy reminds us that art is not simply performance; it is a spiritual journey. Every movement, every note, and every expression becomes an offering that connects the individual with the Divine while inspiring compassion, wisdom, and harmony.
It is this timeless vision that continues to guide Shanti Kala Nikketan, where art is nurtured as a means of personal growth, cultural preservation, and spiritual enrichment.
His Vision
Art is not ordinary.
It is the Divine expressing itself through the artist.
The formless finds form and reveals itself to the world.
Our Co-Founder & Director
Sunitta Menghanaani
Sunitta Menghanaani is a Bharatanatyam artiste, educator, and choreographer whose journey reflects a lifelong dedication to the preservation and dissemination of Indian classical arts.
Originally from Pune, she chose Chennai as her karmabhumi to pursue advanced training in Bharatanatyam. She began learning dance at the age of three under Smt. Geeta Nair and later trained in Bharatanatyam at the prestigious Kalakshetra Foundation, Rukmini Devi College of Fine Arts, Chennai.
Following her training at Kalakshetra, she further refined her artistic and teaching experience through her training and association with Sahrdaya Foundation, Chennai, enriching her journey as a performer, teacher, and choreographer.
For over a decade and a half, she has dedicated herself to training students of all ages, mentoring aspiring dancers, choreographing original productions, and nurturing Shanti Kala Nikketan into a vibrant institution committed to excellence in Bharatanatyam education.
Guided by the belief that every individual has the potential to learn Bharatanatyam, Sunitta believes that true progress is achieved not through innate talent alone, but through sincerity, discipline, perseverance, and consistent practice. Through the Gurukulam tradition, she strives to nurture not only skilled dancers but also individuals grounded in culture, values, and lifelong learning.
Training and honours
- First Class Diploma, Rukmini Devi College of Fine Arts, Kalakshetra Foundation
- M.F.A., Kalai Kaveri College of Fine Arts, Tiruchirappalli
- B.Com., University of Pune
- Best Performer Award, Sri Parthasarathy Swami Sabha
- Exemplar Award, Dorai Foundation, Chennai
Her Vision
“I believe Bharatanatyam is far more than a performing art or an extracurricular activity — it is a way of life. Through dance, we learn to connect with ourselves, cultivate discipline, embrace our culture, and grow into compassionate, confident, and grounded individuals. My vision is to create a nurturing environment where every student is welcomed without judgement, encouraged to discover their own potential, and inspired to experience the transformative power of Bharatanatyam — not just as dancers, but as better human beings.”
The story so far
From one room to three countries
Every entry below is drawn from the academy's own record.
2009
One room, one student
Teaching begins in Besant Nagar under the name Samarppan, with a single student — Aparna. The Kalakshetra Bani of Bharatanatyam is the method from the first class.
Besant Nagar, Chennai
2018
Shanti Kala Nikketan
Having moved to Sholinganallur, the school formally takes the name Shanti Kala Nikketan under Om Guru Om, drawing on his vision for a cultural renaissance.
Sholinganallur, Chennai
The Gurukulam
Six levels, not six terms
Students practise the classical art form alongside literature and mythology — a Gurukulam education where Guru and Shishya flourish together, structured across an introductory programme and six graded levels.
Chennai
First Arangetram
Aparna Manu takes the stage
The first student of the school completes her Arangetram — the milestone every level of the syllabus is built towards.
Chennai
Udaan
A platform for every dancer
Udaan — "flying high to reach our goals" — is created so that every dancer has a stage, irrespective of their level of learning. Editions follow in 2023 and 2025.
Chennai
Today
The tradition travels
Five venues across Thiruvanmiyur, Sholinganallur and Medavakkam, an online batch, and a second branch in Scarborough, Canada at Morningside & Finch.
Chennai · Scarborough
Who teaches
The faculty
The teachers who carry the syllabus. Each card lists that teacher’s own training.
S. Kirusanthini
Head, Canada Branch
A Bharatanatyam dancer, choreographer, and teacher with strong artistic roots in Sri Lanka. She began her training in the Vazhuvoor style under Smt. Sangeetha Karthikeyan and later studied the Kalakshetra Bani for over nine years under Sunitta Menghanaani, whom she joined in 2017. Her dance and teaching work extends to AIMA in Chennai and the SEED NGO in Sri Lanka.
- First-Class Grade Levels in Bharatanatyam, Annamalai University
- Best Dancer Award, UNIPUN Sri Lanka
- BCA and MCA (Computer Applications)
Tejaswi J
Senior Associate
A Bharatanatyam dancer, performer, and teacher based in Chennai. She began her Bharatanatyam journey in her late teens and, through dedication and perseverance, has built a strong foundation in the art form — proof that a serious start is possible at any age.
- Diploma, Rukmini Devi College of Fine Arts, Kalakshetra Foundation
- M.A. Bharatanatyam, Tamil Nadu Dr. J. Jayalalithaa Music and Fine Arts University
- Graded Artist, Doordarshan
Nandhini
A Bharatanatyam artist and educator based in Chennai, who began her training at the age of eight under Guru Sri. Mohanan of Kalakshetra. A seasoned performer, she has presented numerous solo recitals and performed at prestigious state-level cultural events.
- Diploma, Rukmini Devi College of Fine Arts, Kalakshetra Foundation
- M.A. Bharatanatyam, University of Madras
Anju Parvathi KM
A dedicated dancer and teacher from Malappuram. She began her dance journey at the age of 10 and received her formal training in Mohiniyattam from Kerala Kalamandalam, later continuing advanced studies at the Rukmini Devi College of Fine Arts.
- Diploma, Rukmini Devi College of Fine Arts, Kalakshetra Foundation
- M.A. Bharatanatyam, Tamil Nadu Dr. J. Jayalalithaa Music and Fine Arts University
- Graded Artist, Doordarshan
Pavithra P. Kumar
A dedicated classical dancer from Alappuzha, Kerala, with over sixteen years of training in Bharatanatyam. She secured Second Place in Bharatanatyam at the Kerala State-Level Kalolsavam in 2020.
- Diploma, Rukmini Devi College of Fine Arts, Kalakshetra Foundation
- Master's Degree, Tamil Nadu Dr. J. Jayalalithaa Music and Fine Arts University
Sreelakshmi Anirudhan
A Bharatanatyam dancer, teacher, and performer trained in the classical tradition, actively engaged in teaching, choreography, and stage performances.
- Diploma, Rukmini Devi College of Fine Arts, Kalakshetra Foundation
- M.A. Dance, Tamil Nadu Dr. J. Jayalalithaa Music and Fine Arts University
- Graded Artist, Doordarshan