Secrets of dance and science at IIIT-Hyderabad: Dr. Jayachandran Surendran's journey & rare patent
Hyderabad: Dr. Jayachandran Surendran, a researcher and lecturer at IIIT Hyderabad’s Center for Exact Humanities, has made significant strides in blending traditional South Indian dance with modern scientific methods. His recent research, which led to the creation of Atam, a form-neutral and style-neutral pedagogical tool for dance instruction, earned him one of the rare patents in India’s arts sector.
Dr. Surendran’s academic journey, culminating in a Ph.D. on the fundamentals of dance, has bridged the gap between the performing arts and scientific analysis, focusing on the philosophical aspects of Tandava, the cosmic dance of Lord Shiva, and the integration of temple architecture with dance traditions.
A Path Less Traveled
Dr. Surendran’s foray into the world of dance began at a young age. At three, a spontaneous dance performance in school led his principal to encourage his mother to enroll him in classes, setting him on a path that would eventually blend engineering with the arts. Initially inclined toward a career in medicine, he instead pursued engineering, earning a B.E. in Electronics and Communication from Government College of Engineering, Salem, in 2000.
Despite his engineering studies, Dr. Surendran continued to excel in dance, choreographing award-winning performances and earning accolades at regional and national levels. His choreography for A.R. Rahman’s Vande Mataram for India’s 50th Independence Anniversary won awards across South India.
From Corporate Success to Kalakshetra
In 2000, Dr. Surendran joined Wipro Infotech, where his career took off with multiple promotions. Yet, his passion for dance remained strong. In 2005, when Leela Samson became the director of Kalakshetra, Dr. Surendran made the life-changing decision to leave his corporate career and join the esteemed dance institution at a fraction of his corporate salary.
At Kalakshetra, he worked on archiving invaluable historical materials and immersed himself in the study of traditional Indian dance and temple architecture. He also earned multiple degrees, including a Master’s in Bharatanatyam from the University of Madras and a diploma in Shaiva Siddhanta from Annamalai University.
A New Chapter at IIIT Hyderabad
In 2014, Dr. Surendran joined IIIT Hyderabad’s Center for Exact Humanities, where he began focusing on his doctoral research. His work explores the formal structure of dance movements, combining his engineering background with his deep knowledge of dance theory. Through collaborations with professors from various fields, including cognitive science and mathematics, he has sought to uncover the underlying patterns of Indian dance and its relationship with ancient architecture.
At IIIT Hyderabad, Dr. Surendran teaches modules on temple architecture and Natyashastra, while his research continues to evolve, emphasizing the intersection of dance, science, and technology. His work on the formal aspects of dance, including its mathematical and logical structure, has positioned him as a pioneer in the field of dance research.
Expanding His Influence
Dr. Surendran’s expertise has led him to deliver lectures and workshops across the world. He has been a visiting faculty member at Florida’s Vedic Wellness University and has conducted several workshops on Shaiva philosophy, the Tandava of Shiva, and Tevaram Shaiva compositions. His lecture on the connection between architecture and choreography was presented at the launch of TM Krishna’s Shabda.co.in.
Throughout his career, Dr. Surendran has highlighted the adaptability of South Indian dance, noting how traditional forms have been incorporated into modern media, such as early Tamil cinema. His research into the historical evolution of dance has led to a deeper understanding of how these art forms have evolved alongside changing societal contexts.
Acknowledging Mentors and Personal Growth
Dr. Surendran credits much of his success to the support of mentors and the encouragement of his family. His father, a retired regional manager at Thyssenkrupp, supported his cultural interests, while his sister, a trained Carnatic singer, provided artistic inspiration. Dr. Surendran has also maintained a fitness regimen, including yoga, meditation, and half-marathons, which he credits with maintaining his mental and physical well-being.
Reflecting on his journey, Dr. Surendran notes the critical role IIIT Hyderabad’s academic environment played in shaping his research. The cross-disciplinary approach at the institution has allowed him to explore dance as both an art form and a scientific discipline. He has expressed gratitude for the institution's support, including the freedom to pursue his unique research interests.
Looking Ahead
Dr. Surendran continues to seek new avenues for his research and innovation. Drawing inspiration from the Banyan tree, the symbol of the Theosophical Society and Kalakshetra, he likens his journey to the ongoing search for knowledge and growth. “I now seek the next banyan tree,” he says, hinting at future milestones in his quest to integrate art and science.
