Alfonso Elengikal

She is the pride of our school,” beams a buoyant Sr Auxilia, former Principal of St Joseph’s English Medium High School, Vijayawada (A.P.), referring to Kumari Eluri Meena, a Std IX student of the school. By now, a very popular Kuchipudi dancer, 14-year-old Meena has become the pride of dance lovers all over Andhra Pradesh. Born on September 22, 1995, as the second child of Eluri Venkateswaralu (a hairdresser) and Padmavati (a tailor) of Khammam District of Andhra Pradesh, Meena began dancing when she was not even five. Though poor, her parents did everything possible to nurture this talent in their little daughter. They even moved to Vijayawada to provide their two children better educational facilities. It was here that well-known Kuchipudi dance guru Natyacharya Shri Pasumarthi Srinivasulu came across the 5-year-old little dancer. Guru Srinivasulu offered to teach her Kuchipudi Nruthyam and Bharatanatyam at his own cost as Meena’s parents could not afford it. Nine years down the line, Meena today excels in both, and folk dances as well.

At the age of seven, Meena was already participating in all the major state-level competitions and programmes. From then on, she never looked back. Recital after recital followed and dance lovers everywhere began showering her with cash awards, titles, mementos and certificates of appreciation. As of today, she has given more than 200 performances on various important occasions in different parts of the state and outside. March 25, 2007 will remain a red-letter day in Meena’s dancing career — the day she performed at Natya Kala Bhawan (Rashtrapati Bhawan), New Delhi, before Dr A.P.J. Abdul Kalam, the then President of India, and other diginitaries.

Besides dancing, she excels in music (Carnatic) and painting, too. She’s equally good in studies as well. Though she misses her classes often due to her heavy dancing schedule, she makes up for all that with her hard work — burning the midnight oil and copying notes from understanding friends in her class. Her teachers and the school management too are equally supportive, and truly proud of her.

However, Meena attributes all her success to the unflinching support of her parents, constant encouragement she receives from her elder brother, and of course to the blessings of her guru, and to God above. The song of her soul is: Matha, Pitha, Guru, Daivam! Meena’s dream is to become an IAS officer, and to do her best to improve the lot of the poor but talented youngsters like her. Her message to teens: “Never say ‘I can’t!’ and don’t ever give up! It takes time to be an achiever, so be patient and persevere with your efforts. Today’s struggles pave the way to tomorrow’s success!”

Eluri’s outstanding achievements Best Child Award 2007 by Andhra Pradesh State Cultural Awareness Society at Vishakapatanam on November 24, 2007. Navaratna Sangeeta Natya Kala Roopala Award known as Natya Mayuri Eluri Meena given by Kala Nilayam at Chilakuluripettu, Gundur Dt. on May 10, 2008. Natya Revali Ugadi Talent Award on March 25, 2009.