Dr MN Nandakumara, MBE: A Lifetime of Service to Indian Arts and Bharatiya Vidya Bhavan in the UK

(February 22, 2024) In 2023, the Bharatiya Vidya Bhavan Centre in London marked a significant milestone, celebrating its 50th anniversary in the United Kingdom. This commemoration was accompanied by a prestigious honour bestowed upon the centre’s executive director, Dr MN Nandakumara. Renowned for his expertise in Sanskrit language, literature, and philosophy, Dr Nandakumara was awarded the Most Excellent Order of the British Empire (MBE) by King Charles III. This esteemed recognition was in acknowledgment of his invaluable contributions to teaching, performance, and enhancing accessibility to Indian classical arts in the UK.

While expressing joy and gratitude for the recognition Dr Nandakumara remarked, “I feel truly honoured and humbled. I am particularly delighted because this recognition acknowledges the tireless efforts and dedication of the Bhavan in promoting Indian arts and culture, especially as we celebrate our 50th anniversary this year.”

Dr M.N. Nandakumara | Picture Credit: The Bhavan, UK

Dr Nandakumara is highly respected in the diaspora of the UK for his deep knowledge of the Vedas and Indian scriptures. For the past 47 years, he has been an integral part of the Bhartiya Vidya Bhavan in London, the largest cultural organisation in the country. Fondly addressed as ‘Nandaji’, Nandakumara had assumed the role of Bhavan’s executive director in 1995.

From Karnataka’s village to United Kingdom

Dr Nandakumara hails from Mattur, renowned as India’s first Sanskrit-speaking village located in the Shivamogga district of Karnataka. After completing his schooling at Sharada Vilasa High School, he pursued his master’s degree in Sanskrit from the University of Mysore. In 1975, Nandakumara started his career as a teacher at Raghavendra High School in Malleswaram, Bangalore.

“Searching for a job was a big challenge back then. With a degree in Sanskrit and the responsibility to run my family, I joined the school as a teacher. I didn’t even get a salary for nearly eight months,” Dr Nandakumara shared in an interview.

During that period, his uncle, Mathoor Krishnamurthy was serving as the first executive director at the newly established Bharatiya Vidya Bhavan centre in London. He invited Nandankumara to the UK to pursue his PhD and assist with the Bhavan’s work. Following his uncle’s advice Nandankumara flew to London and got enrolled at the School of Oriental and African Studies (SOAS), University of London. However, adapting to the demands of academic studies in English presented a unique challenge. To enhance his English proficiency, he had to attend English classes conducted at the British Museum. After his classes he would devote his time to teaching Sanskrit to students at the Bhavan.

Dr M.N. Nandakumara

Later, Nandakumara joined the Bhavan as an employee. After two decades of dedicated service, he ascended to the position of its executive director in 1995. Nandakumara dedicates his achievements to three individuals who left an indelible mark on his life – the late Maneck Dalal OBE, founder chairperson of Bhartiya Vidya Bhavan in London, Mathoor Krishnamurti, its first executive director, and Dr. John Marr, its first general secretary.  “Their support, guidance and experience have been foundational to anything I have achieved here,” Dr Nandakumar remarked.

In 2015, the Global Indian was honoured with the lifetime achievement award by Milapfest, leading Indian Arts Development Trust in the UK.

Facilitating growth of Indian art and culture in the UK

For over four decades, Dr. M.N. Nandakumara has devoted himself to making Indian art and culture popular in the UK through teaching, lecturing, and advocacy. Renowned for his oratory, he has delivered speeches at prestigious venues worldwide, including Westville University in Durban, South Africa, the Houses of Parliament, and Cambridge University. Throughout his career, he has garnered numerous awards and accolades, and he has extensively travelled to perform Hindu ceremonies at significant events and occasions.

Over the years, Nandkumara has witnessed the growth of numerous performers – from their very first lessons in art to their outstanding performances as artists on stage, where they became respected figures in their respective disciplines. “Their journey of transformation has inspired me,” he remarked.

Dr Nandakumara has also been at the helm of bringing some of the greatest artists to perform at the Bhartiya Vidya Bhavan in the UK, including Pandit Ravi Shankar, Lata Mangeshkar, George Harrison, the Shakti band, and more. This has helped establish stronger connections between the diaspora and the icons of Indian art and culture.

Reflecting on his association with Bhavan and its accomplishments, Dr Nandakumara remarked, “I take great pride in being associated with an organisation that has successfully set the benchmark for teaching and performing Indian classical arts in the UK, and has been recognised not just by the Indian diaspora but with the arts loving public at large.”

King Charles III’s love for Bharatiya Vidya Bhavan

Dr MN Nandakumara deeply values the consistent support and affection shown by King Charles III towards Bharatiya Vidya Bhavan in the UK. He feels honoured to have welcomed the king on four separate occasions.

“In the early 80s, when Prince Charles visited Bhavan for the first time, we took him to all our classes. He took such a genuine interest and asked such sincere questions,” he reminisced. “I still remember, in our Tabla class all students and the teacher were seated on the floor on a carpet. When Prince Charles entered the room, he removed his shoes, joined them on the floor, and even tried his hand at playing the Tabla. He asked several questions about playing and learning Tabla demonstrating his sincere curiosity.”

King Charles III at Bharatiya Vidya Bhavan, UK on 4th Feb,1981 | Picture Credit: The Bhavan, UK

Although each of the royal visits only lasted an hour or two, he made it a point to engage with everyone, including the singers, the dancers and the teachers. “During each of his four visits, he displayed a genuine interest in our institution, our teachers, our students, and the art forms we teach. All of us here have felt deeply honoured that a royal family member has been so attentive in his presence here and has shown genuine curiosity.”

Usually, the Patron in Chief of Bharatiya Vidya Bhavan accepts the position for just a single term but Prince Charles had extended his tenure for two terms which is rare and a matter of pride for the organisation. He is also associated with the institution as its honorary life member.

A rich legacy

Founded in London in 1972 Bharatiya Vidya Bhavan in the UK is dedicated to teaching and promoting classical Indian arts, yoga, languages, and culture. It stands as the sole organisation in the UK offering such a diverse range of traditional Indian cultural activities all under one roof. With classes spanning to about 20 distinct subjects, the centre provides a unique opportunity for fusion of different art forms.

Dr M.N. Nandakumara with The Bhavan’s teachers | Picture Credit: The Bhavan, UK

Under Dr Nandakumara’s leadership the organisation has facilitated understanding of the significance of Indian art and culture for the new generation of the diaspora, and has emphasised on how the Indian legacy needs to be celebrated and carried forward.

In the 47 year-long association with the Bhartiya Vidya Bhavan in London, Dr Nandakumar has seen thousands of Indian-origin and European people benefit from the organisation’s offerings. He has brought students and art lovers together helping them transcend the barriers of colour, religion and nationality.

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