AWARDS

"I have been a dancer my entire life. First, as a student, then, as a performer, and now, as a teacher. During this evolution, I have learnt to adapt to new situations in order to touch as many lives as possible through the art of dance. From India to the U.S., from Bharata Natyam to Modern dance, from traditional gurus to high school kids with their “whatever” attitudes, my personal journey has been full of surprising turns. Dedicating my life to the performing arts has not always been easy, but I would not trade it for anything in the world. The meeting of minds, the meeting of cultures, the richness of this confluence make it all worthwhile.

Receiving the 2018 North Carolina Heritage Award is a tremendous honor. I am humbled and grateful beyond words to Wayne Martin, Sally Peterson and all the members of the Arts Council for considering me worthy of this recognition.

But, the greater recognition is for Indian classical dance. An award of this stature takes it one step closer to becoming a part of the cultural conversation of this country. To claim its place in history, alongside other great artistic traditions. To me that is the greater honor."