The renowned maestro of Indian classical dance and a member of the Rajya Sabha, Dr Sonal Mansingh was conferred this year’s prestigious “Sumitra Charat Ram Award” for Lifetime Achievement at New Delhi’s Kamani Auditorium. The award was given by the capital’s premier organisation for art and culture, Shriram Bharatiya Kala Kendra, as a mark of respect to its founder Shrimati Sumitra Charat Ram.
Dr. Sonal Mansingh is an unparalleled and pre-eminent exponent of the country’s classical dance tradition. A master performer, teacher, choreographer and scholar, she is truly regarded as a Guru of Indian culture. Her solo performances, lectures and workshops have inspired generations of dancers for over five decades. She has also been acclaimed for her new genre of solo dance theatre, “Naatya Katha”.
Dr. Sonal Mansingh has been decorated with some of the highest honours of the country including the Padma Bhushan in 1992 and the Padma Vibhushan in 2003. She is a Fellow and former Chairman of the National Sangeet Natak Akademi. The Prime Minister of India nominated her in 2014 as a “ Navratna” for the Swachh Bharat Mission.
