“From the days I came to know about Kalabhavan, it has grown
by leaps and bounds and is an outstanding example for young
talent to blossom. I am sure Kalabhavan will continue its
ascendance to bring in large numbers of young faculties and
give them the opportunity to unfold their inner being.”
Justice VR Krishna Iyer, who inaugurated Kalabhavan almost
four decades back:
Fr. Abel effortlessly demolished the caste-identification of art forms like
Mohiniaattam, Kathakali & Bharathanatyam, earlier associated with
Hinduism, encouraging artists from other communities to master these art
forms. He could be viewed as a great communal and cultural leveller of
Kerala. Fr. Abel thus transcended not only his clerical moorings, for he is a
monk of the Carmelites of Mary Immaculate (CMI), but he also displayed a
unique sensitivity to the role of music and dance in melding cultures.
“Numerous talented artists who frequented Kalabhavan have transcended their homeland and mother-tongue to become resounding successes. There is no doubt Kalabhavan remains at the forefront in crafting versatile artists.”
“I firmed my singing practice in Kalabhavan. The training I got from Kalabhavan was excellent. It was Kalabhavan that taught me what stage was, and how to conduct myself on stage
“The only alternative to Kalabhavan is Kalabhavan”
“Kalabhavan is indestructible by anyone”
“Kalabhavan was the turning point in my life”
“Learned the importance of time management at Kalabhavan”
“Wherever Keralites are there, Kalabhavan is also there”
“I am still a Kalabhavan student”
“I am still known through Kalabhavan”