A special event honouring Kathak legend Dr Shovana Narayan brought together Singapore’s Kathak community on November 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 celebrated Dr Shovana’s lifelong contributions to classical arts and her influence on dancers across generations.
Institutions such as Apsaras Arts Academy, Bhaskar’s Arts Academy, the Singapore Indian Fine Arts Society (SIFAS), and several of her disciples joined hands for the event, named SADHANA: A Tribute.
Dr Shovana, one of India’s most respected Kathak exponents, has spent decades performing, researching, choreographing and promoting cultural diplomacy. Alongside her artistic career, she also worked in the Indian Audit and Accounts Service and holds an M.Sc. in Physics, two M.Phil degrees and an honorary D.Litt. She has the Padma Shri in 1992, Sangeet Natak Akademi Award in 2001 and Parishad Samman in 1992.
Speaking to tabla!, she said, “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.”
The event also marked the international launch of her biography, I Am a Fleeting Moment in Time, written by author and life coach Dr Maya Parijat. The book traces Dr Shovana’s journey from her early years in Kolkata to her global artistic presence, weaving together her voice with the experiences of artistes, scholars and students.
Dr Shovana remarked, “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.”
The Hindi edition, Main Ek Gurezaan Lamha Hoon, was also introduced at the event.
GICC senior director Sarita Alurkar said the tribute reflected Singapore’s respect for Indian classical arts and the collaborative spirit among its institutions.
Bhaskar’s Arts Academy artistic director Meenakshy Bhaskar called the tribute an inspiring homage and highlighted the moment when Dr Shovana spontaneously joined the grand finale on stage.
GICC, which has promoted Indian arts in Singapore since 2002, said the event aligned with its mission of nurturing culture and community.
