Girija Chandran Wins Sangeet Natak Akademi Award for Mohiniyattam
Veteran dance guru Girija Chandran has been honored with the prestigious Sangeet Natak Akademi Award for her significant contributions to Mohiniyattam.
Source: The Hindu CultureGirija Chandran, a renowned classical dance teacher from Thiruvananthapuram, Kerala, has received the Sangeet Natak Akademi Award. This recognition acknowledges her immense contribution to the classical dance form of Mohiniyattam. Chandran, 75, has dedicated 53 years to teaching dance through her institution, Regatta Natya Sangeetha Kendra. Despite never performing on stage herself, she has trained nearly one lakh students during her long career. The Sangeet Natak Akademi Award is India's highest honor for performing artists, recognizing excellence in music, dance, and drama. Girija Chandran's award highlights the importance of dance educators and their role in preserving and promoting India's rich cultural heritage, especially in traditional art forms like Mohiniyattam.
This news is important for competitive exams under the 'Culture' section, specifically Indian classical dance forms and national awards. Aspirants should know about the Sangeet Natak Akademi Award, its significance, and prominent recipients. Understanding Mohiniyattam as a classical dance form, its origin, and key features is also crucial for UPSC (GS Paper I - Indian Heritage and Culture) and SSC/Banking General Awareness sections. Questions often focus on the founders, exponents, and characteristics of various classical dances.
- Girija Chandran received the Sangeet Natak Akademi Award.
- She is recognized for her contributions to the classical dance form Mohiniyattam.
- Chandran, 75 years old, has been teaching dance for 53 years.
- She runs the Regatta Natya Sangeetha Kendra in Thiruvananthapuram, Kerala.
- Girija Chandran has trained approximately one lakh (100,000) students.
- The Sangeet Natak Akademi Award is India's highest honor for performing arts.
The Sangeet Natak Akademi Award, also known as the 'Akademi Puraskar', is India's highest national recognition given to practicing artists, gurus, and scholars of the performing arts. It is conferred by the Sangeet Natak Akademi, India's National Academy of Music, Dance and Drama. The award includes a cash prize, a shawl, and a 'Tamrapatra' (a copper plaque).
Mohiniyattam is one of the eight classical dance forms of India, originating from Kerala. It is characterized by graceful, swaying body movements, subtle expressions, and a focus on 'Lasya' (feminine charm). The dance typically tells stories from Hindu mythology, often depicting the 'Mohini' avatar of Vishnu. It is traditionally performed by women.
The Sangeet Natak Akademi is India's national academy for music, dance, and drama. It was established in 1953 by the Ministry of Education, Government of India, with its headquarters in New Delhi. Its main objective is to preserve and promote the vast intangible heritage of Indian music, dance, and drama, and to foster cultural exchange.
UPSC and SSC often ask about the origin states of classical dance forms and the significance of national awards like the Sangeet Natak Akademi Award. Be prepared for questions on the characteristics of each dance form.
Remember 'Mohini' (enchantress) for Mohiniyattam, and 'Kerala' for its origin. Girija Chandran's name starts with 'G' for 'Guru' of this graceful dance.
Frequently Asked Questions
Who is Girija Chandran and what award did she receive?
Girija Chandran is a 75-year-old classical dance teacher from Thiruvananthapuram, Kerala. She received the Sangeet Natak Akademi Award, India's highest honor for performing artists, for her contributions to Mohiniyattam.
What is Mohiniyattam and where does it originate from?
Mohiniyattam is one of the eight classical dance forms of India. It originates from the state of Kerala. It is known for its graceful, feminine movements and storytelling from Hindu mythology.
What is the Sangeet Natak Akademi?
The Sangeet Natak Akademi is India's national academy for music, dance, and drama. Established in 1953, it works to preserve and promote India's rich performing arts heritage and confers national awards to artists.