The Founders
Sakthi Fine Arts was founded in 2012 by Shri. Ramu Karuppiah and Smt. Devi Veerappan Karuppiah with the primary objective of promoting Indian Classical Dance, specifically Bharatanatyam, among children and adult students in Singapore. Their vision was to instill a deep appreciation for Indian tradition and heritage through arts.
Since its inception, Sakthi Fine Arts has maintained high-quality standards in teaching Bharatanatyam, catering to students of all ages—from kids and teens to adults. The academy's structured curriculum and dedicated approach have not only cultivated interest but also fostered a sense of cultural pride and understanding among its students.
Under the esteemed guidance of Shri. Ramu Karuppiah and Smt. Devi Veerappan Karuppiah, Sakthi Fine Arts has now expanded its influence by also promoting other Indian classical art forms such as Carnatic Music and traditional instruments like the Veena within the Singaporean community. Their leadership has been instrumental in upholding the academy's mission to safeguard and propagate Indian heritage. This dedication ensures that these timeless art forms continue to flourish and serve as sources of inspiration for present and future generations in Singapore and beyond.
Through their vision and leadership, Sakthi Fine Arts remains a cornerstone institution, enriching the cultural fabric of Singapore while fostering a deep-seated connection to India's rich artistic legacy among its students and the broader community.
Ramu Karuppiah – Chairman
Ramu Karuppiah brings a wealth of technical expertise and managerial experience to Sakthi Fine Arts. As a Senior System Engineer specializing in VMware and Azure Cloud solutions, he has accumulated over 10 years of professional experience in technical management.
In his role, Ramu Karuppiah provides crucial technical direction for the development, design, and systems integration of all productions and performances at Sakthi Fine Arts. His proficiency in VMware and Azure Cloud solutions likely ensures that the academy leverages modern technology to enhance its operations, productions, and educational offerings.
Beyond his technical contributions, Karuppiah's leadership ensures that Sakthi Fine Arts operates efficiently and effectively, supporting its mission to promote Indian arts and cultural education in Singapore. His dual role as a technical expert and manager underscores his commitment to both the artistic and operational aspects of the academy's activities.
Devi Veerappan Karuppiah – Artistic Director
Devi Veerappan Karuppiah is the Co-Founder and Artistic Director of Sakthi Fine Arts, a leading academy in Singapore dedicated to Bharatanatyam, Carnatic Vocal, and the Veena. Her lifelong passion for Indian classical arts and culture has shaped the academy into a respected institution for artistic excellence and cultural education.
Beginning her Bharatanatyam journey at age 4 in Trichy, Devi trained under Smt. Madhavi Chandrasekharan and later under Kalaimamani Dr. M.S. Sarala, a senior disciple of Padma Vibhushan Dr. Padma Subrahmanyam. She completed her Arangetram in 1996 and went on to become one of the youngest teachers at Kalaikoil Dance Academy. Despite a successful career in business and consulting, Devi pursued her passion by earning a Master’s in Fine Arts (Bharatanatyam) under Dr. Padma Subrahmanyam.
Her leadership at Sakthi Fine Arts has empowered students to perform on international stages, while her innovative approach integrates Tamil literature, cultural values, and classical aesthetics into the curriculum. Through her work, Devi continues to preserve and promote Indian traditions, inspiring a new generation of artists in Singapore and beyond.