Giving Back
The art was never only for the stage.
For twenty-five years, Guru Indira Sreeram Leela has used every avenue that came her way to give something back — putting Kuchipudi at the center of community service, and keeping the classroom door open to students who could not otherwise walk through it.
Women for a Cause
By combining artistic talent with community engagement, Indira has put Kuchipudi at the helm of her outreach work. Across two decades she has served as Cultural Chair, advisor, and treasurer for the organizations that hold the Indian American community together — and has carried the fundraising committee for several temples across New York and New Jersey.
She supported many artists through the hardest days of the Covid pandemic. She continues to sponsor the education of children in need in India each year, and lends her hand to causes and fundraisers throughout the year.
Service, by year
From the school’s own record.
- 2011Cultural Chair — Telangana Development Forum 20th Anniversary, NATS event, Washington DC
- 2013Cultural Chair — TAGDV 40th anniversary celebrations
- 2013Cultural Chair — Telangana Development Forum, All USA meet, New Jersey
- 2014Cultural Chair — ATA Convention
- 2014–16Cultural Chair — All USA Standing Committee, ATA
- 2016Advisor, Cultural Convention — ATA
- 2016–18Cultural Chair — All USA Women’s Team, ATA
- 2019Advisor, Cultural Convention — NATA
- 2022–24Treasurer — Telangana Development Forum (TDF)
Fundraisers she has led
Kuchipudi Lahari · Kuchipudi Extravaganza · Nrityamruth · Jewels of Kuchipudi · Shankara Eye Foundation · Brahmotsavam celebrations for Balaji Mandir · Thaka Dhi Mi for Ranganatha Temple · Sri Saketha Utsav, JET 2013
Alongside the fundraising committee for several temples across New York and New Jersey, and sponsorship of Kuchipudi artists and their families.
A place for students who cannot pay
Cost has never been the thing that decides whether a child can learn here. Free places are offered quietly, without ceremony, to students for whom fees would otherwise close the door. If that is your family, say so — the conversation is private and it will not change how your child is taught.
A stage for visiting artists
The school opens its space to visiting artists to perform and to teach, free of cost, so their work reaches an audience here. Artists traveling through New Jersey who would like to use the platform are welcome to get in touch.
Join in
If you would like to be part of these initiatives — as a family, a sponsor, or an artist — reach out.
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