Scholar of Indian Knowledge Systems | Kathakali Performer | Researcher | Teacher
Dr Kannan Parameswaran P
Dr. Kannan Parameswaran is an academician, researcher, and scholar of Indian Knowledge Systems including Tantra, Yoga and Vedānta, as well as a renowned Kathakali performer and trainer. His work bridges spirituality, theatre, and scholarship, bringing the wisdom of classical Indian traditions into modern life.
Areas of Work
Dr. Kannan Parameswaran is a scholar of Tantra, Yoga, and Vedānta and a disciple of P. Madhavan (Madhavaji) and Prof. K. P. Babudas. His training in Kathakali Abhinaya comes from masters including Guru Kalamandalam Vasu Pisharodi, Padmasree Mani Madhava Chakyar and Shri Kalanilayam Mohankumar.
Indian Knowledge Systems
Workshops, lectures and retreats exploring Yogasutra, Bhagavad Gita, Vedanta and Tantric philosophy, helping individuals develop mind awareness and disciplined living.
Academic Research & Teaching
Former Director of Nila Campus at Kerala Kalamandalam Deemed University where he coordinated MA, MPhil and PhD programs in traditional performing arts.
Kathakali & Theatre
Traditional Kathakali performer, researcher and trainer with more than four decades of experience in theatre performance and teaching.
Spiritual Facilitation & Mind Awareness
Conducts online sessions on Mind Awareness and Management based on the Bhagavad Gita, helping seekers understand the nature of the mind and apply traditional wisdom in daily life through study, reflection, and disciplined practice.
Theatre Direction & Creative Productions
Director, choreographer, and creator of innovative theatre works combining traditional aesthetics with contemporary performance practice.
Festival & Cultural Event Organization
Experienced organizer of major cultural festivals and large-scale theatre productions, coordinating artists, institutions, and academic communities to promote Kathakali, Kutiyattam, and traditional Indian performing arts at national and international levels.
Work on Indian Knowledge Systems
Through decades of research, teaching, theatre practice, and spiritual facilitation, Dr. Kannan has dedicated his life to interpreting traditional Indian philosophical texts and making them accessible to modern seekers and scholars.
Mind Awareness and Management
Dr. Kannan conducts regular spiritual study sessions based on Bhagavad Gita and Yogasutra to help participants understand the functioning of the mind and develop inner clarity.
- Samyogi Residential Workshop
- Viniyogi Workshop for young adults
- Bhagavad Gita Study Sessions
- Gita Svadhyayam lectures
- Yogasutra and Saundarya Lahari Sadhana retreats
Kathakali Performer and Theatre Practitioner
Dr. Kannan has been performing Kathakali since 1976 and has trained in the classical tradition for over 22 years. His work integrates traditional theatre knowledge with contemporary stage practices.
He has choreographed and acted in numerous productions, conducted international theatre workshops, and collaborated with artists across the world.
International Engagements
- Theatre collaborations in the United States
- Workshops with New York University Theatre Department
- International Kathakali theatre workshops
MAJOR ACHIEVEMENT
- Guinness World Record
Dr. Kannan choreographed Natyotsavam, a historic performance featuring 150 Kathakali characters held in Thiruvananthapuram on February 12, 2011. This grand presentation earned a Guinness World Record and showcased the magnificence of Kathakali music and movement traditions.
Kannan’s Academic Profile
Academic Qualifications
MA – Malayalam Language & Literature
MPhil – Theatre Arts
PhD – Malayalam Department
APPEX Cultural Exchange – UCLA
Awards
Guru Chengannoor Raman Pillai Award
Sudheer Yuva Puraskaram
Bhagavathar Kunjunni Thampuran Endowment
Yuva Puraskar – Kerala Art Lovers Association UK
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