"Koramangala was a no man’s land then," says, Professor N S Ramaswamy, 86, the man behind the Indian Heritage Academy (IHA.)
Prof Ramaswamy, Chairman, Director, IHA, believes that a place can be made liveable only through its culture and its ethics.
Pic: Deepthi M S
Built in the early 80’s, the academy’s sole purpose was to foster the growth of Indian culture. Situated amidst the a busy area, it has a retained its old charm. The academy, a non-profit making organisation, spread over 30,000sq feet, it has around 500 varieties of plants. With temples, open yards and trees, it takes you to a place which seems to be away from the city.
The academy provides space for classrooms for teachers to conduct classes on a regular basis. It also has halls for day-to-day hiring, for conducting seminars.
Prof Ramaswamy adds that IHA is for teachers who want to teach but cannot have their own classrooms. The academy provides classrooms at very reasonable rates for teachers.
The academy hosts classes varying from dance, yoga, meditation, modern dance classes to painting and guitar classes.
The academy is an ideal place for teachers who cannot find space to accommodate students. "The problem of space occurs to many teachers, especially in cities," says Geetha Krishnappa, 55, Yoga Instructor at IHA for 10 years.
The academy is one place where students learning one form of art are exposed to other forms of art. "We also get free publicity here. Some people come to other classes and find out about us and join us. It is a great thing to have so many classes under one roof," added Geetha.
For parents, it is an ideal place as the academy is not too far away from the city. "My son is very interested in Karate, he is learning karate here from the last summer. It is easy for me too to bring him here as we stay nearby," says Vidya Suresh, 27, mother of Chyavan Rohan, a student at IHA.
She also adds that it is rare thing to find such a facility to learn so many art forms under one roof, in the city. Vidya, who was learning yoga earlier plans to get back to classes here.
The academy also hosts various seminars on herbal remedies and nature cure. It also has a Ayurvedic shop in the campus.
With it’s main aim to up hold the Indian culture, the academy also conducts discourses on Ramayana and Bhagavadgeetha.
Founded by a man who believes in spiritual approach to management, Prof Ramaswamy has introduced HRD trainings on ethics, morals, values, management, motivation leadership and urban affairs at the academy.
One can contact the academy for class room spaces and for conducting lectures. Web site: www.heritage-cartman.co.in. Address of IHA: 20th main, 6th block, Koramangala, near Police Station, Bangalore- 560095. Ph: 25500143⊕