Nurturing the warmth and simplicity of rural Kerala, the Vijnana Kalavedi or the Centre for Letters and Arts at Aranmula in Pathanamthitta district is a one of its kind cultural educational institution in Kerala. The centre was set up in 1977 by Ms Louba Schild, a native of France, whose profound interest in understanding and learning some of the popular art forms of Kerala, led to the establishment of this unique cultural centre.

Located close to the banks of the River Pamba, on the waters of which the famed annual Snake boat race of Aranmula is held, the Vijnana Kalavedi offers training in some of the traditional Indian arts and languages.

At Vijnana Kalavedi, one can undergo training in art forms like Kathakali, Mohiniyattam, Bharatanatyam, Carnatic Music, Percussions (Tabla and Maddalam), Mural Painting, Wood Carving, and languages Sanskrit, Hindi & Malayalam.

The centre also offers training in other art forms, which are offered as secondary subjects for learning. They include Kolam, Cooking, Kathakali Make-up, Mudras, Yoga and Kalarippayattu (traditional martial art). A three-week awareness course on Ayurveda and a one-month-long intense course on Hatha Yoga are other subjects of interest at Vijnana Kalavedi.

The training at the centre is usually for two hours a day on one main subject, and an hour a day for the secondary subject. Classes will be held five days a week with Saturdays and Sundays for leisure activities.

At the Vijnana Kalavedi, learning is a traditional exercise, enjoyed by students in a pleasant and inspiring atmosphere. One can whole-heartedly be involved in the training programme according to a schedule suitable to one’s liking, and at no stage, a candidate is required to go at a hectic pace to complete any training programme. The centre is assisted by teachers, who are well versed in their respective disciplines, who would also chart out a course syllabus ideal for the duration of a candidate’s stay at the centre. Training imparted at Vijnana Kalavedi gives individual attention to students while going through the lessons. The teachers at the centre can easily communicate in English, enabling students from abroad to follow their lessons easily.