A mother’s love across borders: Sreenanda’s Mohiniyattam performance touches heart in Kuwait

Thiruvananthapuram, Kerala: Sreenanda Babu’s Mohiniyattam performance at the Kerala School Kalolsavam brought tears to her mother, Sreedevi, who watched from Kuwait. Despite the physical distance, Sreedevi’s emotional connection to her daughter’s dance was evident as she watched the performance via a phone screen.

Sreenanda, a native of Thodupuzha and a student at Kumaramangalam MKNMHSS, participated in the Mohiniyattam competition for the higher secondary girls' category. While she danced on stage, her mother, who had gone to Kuwait to support her daughter's dream of becoming a dancer, watched the performance via video call. Sreedevi had made the sacrifice to work abroad in order to improve the family’s financial situation. A portion of her earnings had been used to cover the costs of her daughter’s dance training.

Despite financial challenges, Sreenanda remained determined to pursue her passion. However, the expenses associated with participating in the district art festival seemed overwhelming. At this critical moment, her dance teacher, Ramya Hareesh, along with a friend, stepped in to provide both emotional and practical support. The duo’s unwavering love and care ensured that Sreenanda could continue her journey to the state-level art festival, even providing her with the attire and ornaments needed for the competition.

The bond between Sreenanda and Ramya Hareesh dates back to when she was just three and a half years old – Sreenanda was Ramya’s first student at her dance school. To ensure Sreenanda’s performance went smoothly, Ramya and her family were there to offer comfort, helping to ease the emotional impact of her mother’s absence during such an important moment in her life.