MALIBU: Thalam School of Fine Arts recently celebrated its fifth anniversary at the Malibu Hindu Temple. Karen Kukurin, Deputy Director from Governor Arnold Schwarzenegger's office, presided over the event. Jennifer Lazano from the Councilmember Dennis P. Zine, 3rd district, was the chief guest. Armineh Chelebian, the Republican candidate for the assembly from the 40th district was one of the invited guests.

The event started with a small pooja for deity Lord Nataraj. Nalini Natarajan, the Director and Founder of the school gave a brief history and details about the oldest Indian Classical dance Bharatha Natyam. The event started with students "Tatti Kumbudu", which was explained by Nalini as the salute or Namaskar to the Mother Earth and the deity Lord Nataraj. The event was then followed by Pushpanjal performed by all the students.

The program continued with the traditional items, Kawthuvam, Alarippu, Jateeswaram, Padhams. The younger students did Krishna and Gobi dance for the song from Maka Kavi Subramanya Bharadhi, (the famous poet and a freedom fighter from Tamil Nadu during the 1930s). Speaking of songs, at the Thalam School of Fine Arts, Caranatic music is also taught.

The students, aged from only six and seven years old, sang bhajans taught by the school's music teacher Kalyani. It was an amazing fleet of talent shown during this event. From the intricate Bharatha Natyam dances to the wonderful Karanatic music, it was all an amazing convention of talent. A unique sight in these performances was the multicultural atmosphere of the students/performers. Other than her Indian students, Nalini, the artistic director and the teacher for the school, also has students who are Caucasian, Hispanic, etc.Following the first half was the speeches/award ceremonies.

The Deputy Director Karen Kukurin, presented the message from the Honorable Governor of California, and also presented the United States Flag, flown in US capital, and also the Certificate of Authenticity for the flag. Also presented were the certificate from the LA County Supervisor Mike Antonovich and the certificate from Councilmember of 12th District, Greig Smith. The flag and the Authenticity for the flag were sent by Congressman Brad Sherman, who could not attend the event because of last minute schedule changes. The school also received a certificate from Councilmember of 3rd District, Dennis Zine.

Thalam School of Fine Arts also recognized and presented the life time achievement award to the great American dancer, choreographer for film, theater and mother of the famous actor and dancer Patrick Swazye, Patsy Swayze. Karen Kukurin accepted the award on behalf of Patsy Swayze, All the students were recognized individually and the Deputy Director from Governor's office presented the trophies to each and every one of the students.