The word 'Bhavalaya' comes from Malayalam and means “harmony of emotions” or “concordance of hues.” It reflects the deep connection between art and emotions.
Across cultures, performing arts have always been rooted in nine fundamental emotions—happiness, serenity, compassion, courage, wonder, sorrow, fear, anger, and disgust. In Indian traditions, these are called Navaras. Classical artforms use both the body and mind to express these emotions, making them understandable and relatable across generations. Through this process, art becomes a bridge between emotion and intellect, giving rise to deeper understanding and meaning.
At its core, art is the expression of creativity, skill, and imagination—something that moves us not only aesthetically but also intellectually.
The Birth of Bhavalaya
Bhavalaya was created as a global platform to celebrate and promote art and culture. In times of division and uncertainty, it serves as a space where creativity unites minds and brings emotional freedom. Bhavalaya believes in the power of art to inspire, heal, and connect people beyond boundaries.
Welcome to Bhavalaya—where emotions find expression, and art brings us together.
Our Founder & Chairman
Dr J Retnakumar
Dr. J. Retnakumar is a distinguished insurance expert with over 37 years of exemplary experience in the fields of insurance, healthcare, and safety. His professional journey spans India and the Sultanate of Oman, with significant leadership roles in The New India Assurance Company, where he spearheaded several innovative insurance initiatives.
Currently serving as the CEO of ISC, a leading risk consultancy and insurance brokerage company in Oman, Dr. Retnakumar also holds multiple key positions in the global insurance and business sectors. He is the Chairman of the Technical Committee for Life & Medical Insurance under the Oman Insurance Association and serves as Chairman and Director of Priviti Insurance Services, an IRDA-licensed company in India.
Dr. Retnakumar's strategic vision has been instrumental in developing impactful insurance schemes, including COMPASS—an insurance program for domestic workers in Oman—and various health insurance products tailored for vulnerable communities. Under his leadership, New India Assurance was recognized as Oman’s top insurance brand in a survey conducted by Oman Observer.
In India, he played a vital role in launching the Farmer Protection Insurance Scheme and the Banana Crop Insurance Program in collaboration with the Government of Kerala during his tenure in the 1990s.
A passionate advocate of arts, culture, and social service, Dr. Retnakumar founded Bhavalaya in 2010 as a global cultural platform dedicated to promoting art and heritage. Under his leadership, Bhavalaya has become a bridge of cultural exchange between India and Oman. One of the hallmark events was the "Paint for Peace" live painting exhibition in 2016, in collaboration with the Omani Society for Fine Arts, featuring 23 Indian and 23 Omani artists. The initiative was widely lauded by Omani authorities and the Indian mission.
His global outreach extends to his role as Global Chairman of the World Malayalee Federation (WMF), where he previously served as Global President and Global Coordinator. He led several humanitarian initiatives, including the "Kairalikkoru Kaithangu" COVID-19 relief project and the coordination of MEA and NORKA rescue efforts during the Ukraine crisis.
Academically, Dr. Retnakumar holds a degree in veterinary science from Kerala Agricultural University and a postgraduate degree in veterinary pathology, with research in experimental hypothyroidism. He also earned a postgraduate degree in Health Insurance Management from Symbiosis University and has completed advanced insurance training from India’s National Insurance Academy. He is an Associate of the Insurance Institute of India and a Certified Takaful Professional (CTP) from AIMS, London.
He has also contributed to academic research in Oman through a comparative study of health insurance schemes in collaboration with the College of Banking & Financial Studies.
Born in Panur, Thalassery (Kannur district, Kerala), Dr. Retnakumar's early leadership qualities were evident during his college days, where he served as College Union President and University Union Councillor.
A dedicated family man, he is married to Shyamala, and they have two accomplished daughters: Sharanya, a Project Manager at the University of Chicago, and Dr. Varada, a Geriatrician. He is also a proud grandfather.
Through his visionary leadership and unwavering commitment to excellence, Dr. J. Retnakumar continues to inspire generations in both the professional and cultural realms.