Manjula Ramaswamy conferred with the Sangeet Natak Akademi award
The Hindu
Renowned Bharatanatyam guru Manjula Ramaswamy receives prestigious Sangeet Natak Akademi award for her exceptional contributions to dance.
Veteran Bharatanatyam guru Manjula Ramaswamy, has been conferred with the Sangeet Natak Akademi award for 2022-23 for her contribution to Bharatanatyam. The 66-year-old dancer and the director of Hyderabad-based dance institute Sri Rama Nataka Niketan was honoured by President Droupadi Murmu on March 6, 2024, at Vigyan Bhavan, New Delhi.
“I get satisfaction from seeing my students succeed and excel, a remarkable reward. However, receiving recognition from the president is an additional inspiration for me to continue to train and guide my students,” says Manjula after her return to Hyderabad.
Her decision to don a nine-yard Kanjeevaram sari in the traditional Tanjore Iyer style and the humble act of stepping onto the stage barefoot resonated with the audience, evoking admiration. “It’s not just about the performance,” Manjula explains. “Any stage is sacred for me, and that’s why I chose to be barefoot.”
Taking up the role of a guru at the tender age of 10 wasn’t something Manjula had anticipated, but destiny had its plans. Learning and assisting her father, the late VS Ramamoorthy, who had trained scores of disciples, Manjula became a name to reckon with in innovative choreographies. Her students have won competitions and participated in TV reality shows, showcasing the pure Bharatanatyam form.
After her father’s demise at the age of 100, Manjula says stepping into his role was challenging and rewarding. “Yet I embraced it wholeheartedly, driven by the desire to carry forward his legacy. Each batch presented new challenges, but it was both a responsibility and a privilege to nurture young talents, guiding them through the intricacies of our craft. As the years went by, I witnessed the fruits of our laboür as our students brought honour to the institute and all associated with it – the gurus, their families, and our state.”
U.S. and Ukrainian officials meet for a third day to advance a security framework amid ongoing tensions with Russia.
IndiGo flight cancellations: Follow LIVE updates from The Hindu as Indigo scrambles to restore flights operations on December 6, 2025.
Twenty-three individuals arrested in India Gate protest face serious charges, including assault on police and obscenity against female officers.
Pakistan and Afghanistan exchanged fire along their border, with no casualties reported amid ongoing tensions and a fragile ceasefire.
Honduran candidate Salvador Nasralla alleges fraud in presidential vote as rival Nasry Asfura narrowly takes the lead amid controversy.
Sri Thyaga Brahma Gana Sabha celebrates its 80th anniversary, highlighting culture's role in identity and community preservation.
Migrant voters in Kerala are increasingly participating in local body polls, shaping their communities and electoral landscape.
Trump commends Congo and Rwanda for signing a U.S.-mediated peace deal, aiming to resolve ongoing regional conflicts and enhance economic ties.
The 2026 World Cup draw reveals group placements as the inaugural FIFA Peace Prize is awarded to Trump in Washington, D.C.
Party leaders discuss development and welfare initiatives in Kozhikode ahead of local body elections, highlighting diverse political visions.
Debutant Beena Divakaran faces veteran candidates in the Ponnurunni East election, aiming to maintain LDF's long-standing dominance.
India and Russia sign agreements to facilitate the safe mobility of semi-skilled workers in response to labor demands.
Excitement builds for the thrilling 2025 F1 season finale in Abu Dhabi, featuring Norris, Verstappen, and Piastri vying for the title.