Empowering Women Through Cultural Revival

In a landmark event blending tradition with empowerment, the All India Malayalee Association (AIMA) Uttar Pradesh Women’s Wing inaugurated its first-ever Chenda classes exclusively for women at the Noida Ayyappa Temple, C-47, Sector 62, Noida, Gautam Buddha Nagar, Uttar Pradesh.

This initiative sets a historic milestone in promoting Kerala’s classical art form among women, inspiring them to take pride in their heritage while confidently stepping into roles traditionally reserved for men.

Chenda — The Drum That Speaks

The Chenda, a powerful and sacred percussion instrument intrinsic to Kerala’s temple arts and cultural festivals, has long been a male-dominated tradition. But times are changing—and so is the rhythm. For the first batch, 25 determined women enrolled in the Chenda training program, each with a deep commitment to learning and preserving their cultural identity through this ancient instrument.

AIMA Women’s Wing Leads the Way

At the forefront of this transformative effort is Smt. Deepthi Nair, National Vice Chairperson of AIMA Women’s Wing, who envisioned and spearheaded the initiative. In her introductory remarks during the event, she said:

“These Chenda classes mark the beginning of a cultural revolution for women. Along with these sessions, many more empowerment and skill-building programs are in the pipeline to uplift and energize women within our community.”

Her dynamic leadership was firmly supported by fellow AIMA members, Smt. Molly S Nair and Smt. Prabha Rajan. Both women have played crucial roles in organizing and mentoring activities within AIMA and stood as strong pillars of encouragement and collaboration for the Women’s Wing. Their involvement added depth, credibility, and unity to the endeavor, proving once again that when women support women, powerful change unfolds.

Esteemed Guests and Dignitaries

The event drew an impressive lineup of senior leaders from AIMA and the local community, who came together to bless and celebrate the occasion:

  • Shri K.R. Manoj – National General Secretary, AIMA
  • Shri T.P. Nandan – President, Noida Ayyappa Temple
  • Shri K. Venugopalan – Secretary, Noida Ayyappa Temple
  • Shri Jayaraj Nair – National Additional General Secretary, AIMA
  • Shri Suresh Kumar Nair – President, AIMA Uttar Pradesh
  • Shri K.T. Mahasayan – Secretary, AIMA Uttar Pradesh
  • Smt. Prasobha Rajan – National Joint Treasurer, AIMA
  • Smt. Molly S Nair – Senior Member, AIMA
  • Smt. Deepthi Nair – National Vice Chairperson, Women’s Wing, AIMA

The public function organized as part of the inauguration was a vibrant blend of culture, community, and shared purpose. Shri Suresh Kumar Nair, AIMA UP President, presided over the meeting, while Shri K.R. Manoj, National General Secretary, formally inaugurated the program and appreciated the visionary work of the Women’s Wing.

Each dignitary present delivered felicitation speeches, extending wholehearted support for the initiative and underlining the importance of empowering women through cultural and community-based platforms.

Chenda Gurus: The Torchbearers of Tradition

The Chenda training is being conducted by two highly respected and accomplished masters of the art:

  • Vadyapraveen Dr. Cheruthazham Kunhirama Marar
  • Kalamandalam Abhishek Kunhiraman

Their participation ensures that the students are learning from the best—blending discipline, devotion, and deep-rooted cultural significance with every beat.

Gratitude and Acknowledgements

The event concluded with a warm vote of thanks by Shri K.T. Mahasayan, Secretary, AIMA Uttar Pradesh. He expressed deep appreciation to the dignitaries, mentors, and especially the team behind the Women’s Wing for creating a meaningful and inspirational platform.

Conclusion: More Than a Class—A Cultural Awakening

This initiative by AIMA Uttar Pradesh Women’s Wing is not just about teaching Chenda. It is about:

  • Reviving tradition
  • Expanding gender inclusion in cultural spaces
  • Fostering pride in one’s heritage
  • Creating a supportive ecosystem for women’s growth

Thanks to the visionary leadership of Smt. Deepthi Nair, bolstered by dedicated AIMA members like Smt. Molly S Nair and Smt. Prabha Rajan, this movement has taken firm roots in Noida. With the blessings of the Ayyappa Temple and the broader AIMA family, the reverberating beats of Chenda from this temple complex promise to echo across the country—inspiring women, honoring heritage, and uniting hearts.