Instituted in Nov 1999, Raasi is engaged in promoting traditional South Indian Art Forms. Ancient art forms of South India, especially those which are facing threat of extinction or those which have been left unattended due to lack of adequate support will take priority in Raasi's endeavour. The key objectives of Raasi are to work on areas like research, education, training and support to artists. The initial attempts were on the Tanjore School of Art, a traditional art form of Tamil Nadu dating back to early 18th century or probably even before. It is a unique culmination of several influences and the art form is a natural extension of the skill and dexterity of the Tanjore craftsmen. In the year 2001, Raasi started working on the Mysore school, which takes chronological precedence to the Tanjore Painting as regard to the genesis. The year 2002 saw Raasi working on the Kalamkari, a traditional art form of Andhra Pradesh, dating back to more than 3000 years. Raasi is currently in line with the set objectives. Raasi is primarily engaged in three areas: Research, Education & Training and Support to Artists: The key objectives of the Research Program is to trace the genesis of these classical art forms, study the influencing factors, map the changes and transformation which these art forms have undergone over a period of time, in terms of content, style and technique. The study is conducted at both the field and in-house levels. As an extension of this activity, Raasi conducted a highly successful one-day symposium at the Alliance Francaise, Chennai on "Traditional South Indian Art Forms: Management of Revival Process" on March 1st 2003. Raasi also shares some of the research findings at the "Raasi's Anniversary Days" every year with select members. As regards to the education and training program, Raasi have been conducting a well-structured program for teaching Tanjore Painting since Dec 1999. The education program had a humble beginning with 5 students. Today, over 30 participants have already gone through this program, and currently there are 25 participants going through the program. It is the intention of Raasi to conduct such programs for the Mysore School and Kalamkari in the near future. One of the key areas of Raasi's activity is to work with individual artists or art groups who are engaged in the practice of these traditional art forms and require marketing support. Under the "Strategic Artists Partnership Program", Raasi establishes long term relationship with artists and work as an extended marketing arm for them. The relationship with artists or art groups extends beyond the realms of business - Raasi works closely with them and their families and attempts to address their problems or issues on an on going basis. The gallery was opened in Nov 1999 with 17 paintings on its walls. Raasi had a tie-up with 2 art groups at that time, selling 2 paintings every month. Today, Raasi is working with 15 different art groups and the gallery houses more than 250 paintings! As regards the future, Raasi would continue to work on the identified areas with unflinching commitment towards promoting the South Indian classical art forms. Raasi would continue to work in the future with the same amount of zeal and perseverance it had demonstrated in the past. It would be the endeavour of Raasi to orchestrate all its efforts in a concerted fashion to achieve its objectives.