In a stirring celebration of legacy, artistry, and spiritual devotion to dance, SADHANA: A Tribute was held on Nov 23 at the Global Indian International School auditorium in Punggol.
Organised by the Global Indian Cultural Centre (GICC) in collaboration with Praya Dance, the evening honoured the iconic Dr Shovana Narayan, one of India’s most revered Kathak exponents, for her unmatched contributions to the classical arts.
This event brought together Singapore’s entire Kathak community – an extraordinary feat in itself – creating a shared stage where institutions such as Apsaras Arts Academy, Bhaskar’s Arts Academy, Singapore Indian Fine Arts Society (SIFAS), and disciples of Dr Shovana paid homage through performance, dialogue, and collaboration.
A Living Legend
Renowned not just for her breathtaking performances but also for her pioneering spirit, Dr Shovana has spent a lifetime elevating Kathak through research, choreography, and cultural diplomacy.
A trained physicist and civil servant, she balanced an extraordinary dual career, retiring from the Indian Audit and Accounts Service while continuing to perform, innovate, and write.
She holds an M.Sc. in Physics, two M.Phil degrees, and an honorary D.Litt., and is the recipient of prestigious accolades including the Padma Shri (1992), the Sangeet Natak Akademi Award (2001), and the Parishad Samman.
Speaking to tabla!, Dr Shovana offered a rare glimpse into the soul behind the persona: “I am just a human being who is a seva pujari (selfless service) of Kathak, which is my atma, my soul, my breath. My prayer every day is to keep my feet grounded, head steady, and serve through dance till my last breath.”
A Biography Launched from the Heart of Asia
In a powerful moment of reflection and honour, SADHANA also saw the international launch of her biography, I Am a Fleeting Moment in Time, penned by writer and life coach Dr Maya Parijat.
This deeply personal work traces Dr Shovana’s journey from her early days in Kolkata to becoming a global ambassador for Indian classical dance. It interweaves her voice with those of fellow artists, scholars and students, creating a rich, multi-dimensional portrait.
Speaking of the book, Dr Shovana said: “It’s not one of those cut-and-dry biographies. Maya took great pains to chase me down and interwove many voices and artistic impressions. I haven’t read the whole book – but I am who I am. That’s all.”
Author Maya, known for her emotionally resonant works like Fireflies and The Next Wave, called the biography a “spiritual mapping of a life devoted to meaning and art”.
Its Hindi version, Main Ek Gurezaan Lamha Hoon, was also introduced at the event, further extending its reach to wider audiences.
A Unified Tribute from Singapore’s Cultural Ecosystem
According to Ms Sarita Alurkar, senior director and head of GICC, the tribute wasn’t just an event – it was a culmination of Singapore’s deep respect for the classical arts:
“When approached, every major organisation responded with a spirit of collaboration. It became a unifying platform where Apsaras Arts, Bhaskar’s Arts Academy, SIFAS, and others came forward to honour a legend who has influenced the global Kathak landscape,” she said.
Ms Meenakshy Bhaskar, artistic director of Bhaskar’s Arts Academy, summed up the sentiment: “SADHANA was an inspiring homage to a prolific scholar, educator, author, and dancer. A highlight was when Dr Narayan ran up exuberantly and joined the finale!”
Mr Aravinth Kumarasamy of Apsaras Arts said: “It was truly inspiring to host the Fireside Conversation with Dr Narayan. Her insights, her generosity in sharing her journey, and her demonstration comparing Kathak with Flamenco were memorable.”
GICC’s Vision and Legacy
Founded in 2002, the GICC has played a pivotal role in fostering cross-cultural dialogue and promoting Indian performing arts in Singapore. Over the past two decades, GICC has nurtured thousands through music, dance, visual arts, language enrichment, and a community yoga programme that has benefitted over 12,000 people.
“SADHANA aligned perfectly with our mission,” said Ms Alurkar. “It was a tribute, a celebration, and an inspiration for the next generation. The event reaffirmed our belief that through arts, we bring communities together.”
A Life That Inspires
At 75, Dr Shovana continues to perform with the passion and rigour of someone half her age. Her energy, she explained, comes from within:
“I’m passionate about everything I do. Whether it’s physics, literature, rhythm, or architecture – it all comes naturally to me. I grew up with the Bhagavad Gita and the Vedas, and I never felt like I had to choose. I danced from my heart – and still do.”
Asked to reflect on her contribution to Kathak, she demurred: “That’s for others to say. I just know that I live, breathe, and love Kathak. That’s all.”
V.K. Santosh Kumar
