Leela Samson named Chairperson of Sangeet Natak Akademi

Leela Samson

The President has appointed renowned Bharatanatyam dancer Leela Samson as the Chairperson of the Sangeet Natak Akademi for a term of five years with immediate effect.

Recognised as one of India's most energetic and engaging Bharatanatyam dancers, Ms Samson is known for her in-depth knowledge and impeccable style.

She is an alumnus of the famed Kalaksheta in Chennai, where she learnt dance under the tutelage of the late Rukmini Devi Arundale, and is now the Director of the Kalakshetra Foundation, a position she will continue to hold.

Ms Samson has choreographed several group and solo compositions in Bharatanatyam and authored a book "Rhythm in Joy" as well as several articles. She has won many honours, including the Padma Shri and the Sangeet Natak Akademi Award.

She has been the subject of two documentary films, "Sanchari: by Arun Khopkar and "The Flowering Tree" by Ein Lall.

The Sangeet Natak Akademi is India's national academy for music, dance and drama. It is the first national academy of arts set up in indepedent India, having been created on May 31, 1952.

As the apex body specializing in the performing arts of the country, the Akademi renders advice and assistance to the Government of India in the task of formulating and implementing policies and programmes in the field. Additionally, the Akademi carries a part of the responsibilities of the state for fostering cultural contacts between various regions in India, and between India and the world.

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