by Sukanya Mahadevan As a teacher of the Arts, it always makes me fulfilled when my 'shishyas' go on to the next chapters of their lives but carry their art and all the life lessons they learn in our school. Our school motto 'Art for Humanity' is one I inculcate in them from a very early age and it has been a Shishya cornerstone for decades. A real testament to it is when a student takes this beyond their tutelage here and applies it to real life. It gives me great pleasure in introducing to...

by Godha Pranathi If my mom hadn’t lied that day, then I would consider myself incomplete. I have two names: Godha, the name only close relatives use, while Pranathi is my “American” name. I was never one whole person, but two identities shoved into one body, until my passion for dance blended them into a cohesive self, helping me accept who I am. “Can I get out?” I muttered as I clung to my mother's churidar, begging not to go down the void of stairs approaching a looming doorframe. It was...

by NIKITA GOYAL I have always struggled with my identity. Born and raised in America, I often found myself "too Indian" or "not Indian enough", making it difficult for me to ever really feel like I belong. So, when my parents decided to introduce me to Bharatanatyam at the age of 4, I finally found a safe space to embrace my heritage. To me, Bharatanatyam is more than an amalgamation of movements; it is an incredible feat of strength that showcases poignant tales with emotion and grace....