OST Culture Bureau

Cuttack, Jan 3:

Distinguished Kuchipudi Dancer and social contributor Ms. Shallu Jindal has been honoured with the National 'Nritya-Ratna' Award-2014 for her outstanding contribution and achievements in the field of Indian Classical Dance, Kuchipudi.

Ms. Jindal was presented the award by Justice BK Mishra, Chairman, Odisha Human Rights Commission, during the ‘5th Cuttack Mahotsav - International Dance & Music Festival - 2014’ here today. She becomes the first Kuchipudi exponent to receive the prestigious award.Shallu Jindal

Before receiving the award, Ms. Jindal presented a mesmerising Kuchipudi performance. The entire audience at the Kala Vikash Kendra Auditorium, Cuttack was enthralled with the magnificent recital of Kuchipudi dance by Ms. Jindal.

“Performing in Odisha has always been a wonderful experience for me. I am very thankful to the audience here for their encouragement and support,” said Ms. Jindal. She also thanked the organizers of the 5th Cuttack Mahotsav - International Dance & Music Festival for the award.

Ms. Jindal has performed in various famous classical dance festivals at the national and international level and has dedicated her life to the enrichment of Kuchipudi globally. She is the Co-Chairperson of Jindal Steel and Power Foundation spearheading the CSR initiatives of the conglomerate, and the Vice President of the ‘Flag Foundation of India’.

She is also a member on the Central Advisory Board on Culture, Government of India and has recently been appointed the Chairperson of the National Bal Bhawan.

She has recently been honoured with ‘Devdasi National Award’ and ‘Naatyasree’ Title at the Devdasi Nrutya Mandir and the 6th All India Classical Dance Festival by Nataraj Music & Dance Academy, a member of International Dance Council, UNESCO, respectively.

She is the wife of Congress MP and industrialist Navin Jindal and director,  Jindal Steel & Power Limited ( JSPL).