Plus

Plus

In step with tradition and simplicity
D.C. Ranatunga remembers a legend among the Algama generation of dancers, Panibharatha who passed away on Tuesday
The 'Algama Parapura' - the generation of dancers from Algama, not far from Colombo, was represented by three masters. They were Algama Siriya, his son Algama Kiriganithaa and his elder brother's son Paanis Algama. The latter won a government scholarship to Shantiniketan in 1944 and had an eventful stay in India. As a student, he made full use of his selection as a member of the dance troupe for Rabindranath Tagore presentations. In 1947 he represented Shantiniketan as the leading dancer at an Asian congress.

Returning after successfully completing his studies in 1948, he became Panibharata on the insistence of three highly influential persons of the day - Director of Education S.L.B. Kapukotuwa, Professor G.P. Malalasekera and the highly respected journalist D.B. Dhanapala. For six decades his service for the upliftment of traditional dance was tremendous. Even though his health was failing over the past few years, he had the determination to do his bit towards his lifelong interest.

The tall and majestic figure of Panibharatha was a familiar sight leading his troupe whenever there was a ceremonial occasion or for that matter, any occasion demanding a dance performance. We couldn't miss his powerful voice singing the 'vannams' and other traditional verses. He excelled as a drummer.
This master passed away last Tuesday at the ripe age of 86.

A boy whom his father wanted to make a 'veda mahattaya' had other ideas. While being the understudy to Tibbotuwawe Veda Hamuduruwo at Ratnapura, he was fascinated by the dances he saw at the Saman Devale where his father's brother was performing. He decided to give up medicine and take to dancing. "I knew it was in my blood," he once said. From the Veda Hamuduruwo he moved over to his uncle under whom he learnt the entire gamut of dancing and drumming.

Panibharatha was always a simple man. His dress was simple - always a white national dress. As a dance teacher in government schools, he taught and trained the young. When the reputed painter J.D.A. Perera decided to expand the arts section at the Government Technical College (he was the principal) and convinced the Education Department to start the College of Fine Arts, Panibharatha was chosen to teach Kandyan dancing. It was a keen tussle between him and two other well known teachers of the day – J. E. Sedaraman and Budawatte Punchiguru. The interview went on for three days.

He later became head of the dance school and contributed much by serving in government organizations. He chaired the Arts Council Panel on Dancing for many years.

For many years Panibharatha's troupe was the State dance ensemble. His foreign tours began with a trip to West Germany in 1953. Later the troupe visited many countries. He was a keen observer during these trips and learnt many a new trend. Accordingly he adapted the ones which he thought were suitable for Sri Lanka but always insisted on maintaining tradition.

Having moved from Algama to Rajagiriya, his was an open house for students who came from distant places to learn dancing at the School of Dancing. He never charged a cent from them. He imparted his knowledge and whenever possible gave them a chance of participating in numerous festivals and processions thereby opening the doors for their future.

Though feeble and unable to perform in later years, he would have been happy to see his daughter Upuli reaching great heights along with husband Channa.
Panibharatha was showered with awards, titles and accolades during his long career. Recognising his talent and the immense service to the fine arts, the Sabaragamuwa University paid him a fitting tribute by awarding him an honorary D. Litt and naming the open air theatre in the campus after him.
The State conferred on him the tile of 'Kalasuri'. Yet he preferred to remain as Panibharatha - the simple villager from Algama, as he always was.

Back to Plus