Smithesh Sasidharan Appointed as Language Ambassador of Karma Kalakendram

Karma Kalakendram is pleased to announce the appointment of Smithesh Sasidharan as the Language Ambassador of the organisation, marking an important step in our ongoing commitment to promoting linguistic diversity and cultural inclusion.

Karma Kalakendram is currently focused on celebrating and strengthening India’s rich language families, with particular attention to the diverse linguistic heritage of migrant communities. We actively encourage creative participation and provide cultural support to Indian migrant communities across the UK, with special consideration given to Dravidian languages and dialects, alongside Hindi and English. This includes Tamil, Malayalam, Telugu, Kannada, and other regional Dravidian dialects connected to these languages.

While cricket and English are often recognised as major unifying factors for Indian communities, Karma Kalakendram believes that Sanskrit theatre traditions represent one of the most significant shared cultural heritages of India. We recognise that many of these theatrical traditions have deep historical and cultural roots in Tamil Nadu and the broader Dravidian cultural landscape.

Through our cultural policies and artistic strategies, Karma Kalakendram actively works to challenge and dismantle caste-based barriers historically associated with Sanskrit theatre. Our approach is guided by the principles of cultural democracy, grounded in secular and inclusive values, ensuring that heritage arts remain accessible, representative, and socially progressive.

Smithesh Sasidharan brings a rare and valuable linguistic skill set to this role. A former Kendriya Vidyalaya student, he has mastered verbal and written communication in Tamil, Telugu, Kannada, Tulu, Hindi, and English, with strong verbal communication skills in Malayalam as well. Academically, he holds a Bachelor’s degree in Zoology from CMS College, Kottayam, and a second degree in Nursing from Bangalore, reflecting both intellectual depth and professional versatility.

CMS College, Kottayam, Kerala.

As a Language Ambassador, Smithesh will play a key role in bridging communities through language, supporting Karma Kalakendram’s outreach, communication, and intercultural engagement across Northern Ireland and the wider UK.

Currently, Karma Kalakendram is developing a major dance-drama production titled “Kannaki”, based on the Tamil epic Silappathikaram. As part of this project, Smithesh Sasidharan will contribute by translating the project’s aims, objectives, and core values into multiple languages, ensuring that the message of women’s empowerment, justice, and resilience reaches diverse audiences across linguistic and cultural boundaries.

Karma Kalakendram warmly welcomes Smithesh Sasidharan to this role and looks forward to the meaningful impact his linguistic expertise will bring to our artistic and community-focused initiatives.