DR. SONAL
MANSINGH
A Brief Profile
T
he iconic cultural personality of India, Dr. SONAL MANSINGH is
acknowledged as master of cultural interpretations and an exemplary
teacher who explains inter-linkages with philosophy, literature, sculp-
ture and mythological parables through lectures and dance. She is a great
scholar and seasoned art administrator who has performed, given lectures
and conducted workshops in 90 countries of the world.
She has been unique among dancers who has mastered multiple Indian
classical dance forms from different parts of India like Bharatanatyam,
Odissi and Chhau. Her concern for nagging issues of e cological imbalance,
environmental protection, empowerment of women and social justice
specially for weaker sections of society have led to creation of
numerous path-breaking choreographies.
As the Founder-President of Centre for Indian Classical Dances
(1977) she has trained several talented performers who are carrying
the message of Indian culture all over the world.
Sonal’s ever vibrant creativity has given new dimensions to known
repertories practiced in India, her unique contribution has been
her lifelong work using & utilizing her knowledge to address
socio-cultural issues through the chosen medium of Naatya-Katha
(solo-dance theatre) and group choreographies, most recent being
‘Sankalp se Siddhi’ & ‘Devi Mahatmaya’, dedicated to Swachhata.
Her book ‘Incredible India - Classical Dances’ in English published
by Wisdom Tree and books on her ‘Devpriya’ in Hindi written by
Yatindra Mishra & ‘SONAL MANSINGH – A Life Like No Other’ by
Sujata Prasad have gained wide readership. She had also contrib-
uted number of articles on dance and Indian culture in prestigious
magazines and newspapers.
She is the recipient of the high civilian honours of Padma Bhushan
(1992) and Padma Vibhushan (2003) from the President of India.
She is also nominated as one of the NAVARATNAs for Swachh
Bharat Abhiyaan by Prime Minister Shri Narendra Modi. She is
carrying forward the message of Swachha, Swastha and Shreshtha
Bharat through Arts & culture all over the country, be it tribal belt
of Gujarat or far-flung areas of North-East.
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| APRIL 2018