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AI Meets Indian Dance: New Therapy for Dementia & Parkinson's

Devika Rao, Director of Devika Dance Theatre, advocates for blending AI with cultural practices like classical Indian dance to help treat illnesses such as Dementia and Parkinson's. She explains that rhythm can aid Parkinson's patients, while recitation in dance can improve memory for those with Dementia. Her work, in collaboration with the NHS UK, explores connecting literacy and Sanskrit-enriched dance traditions with AI for cultural education and creative health. The India AI Impact Summit 2026, which highlighted this fusion, brought together global leaders to promote human-centric and equitable AI development.

Key Points: AI & Cultural Practices for Healing Dementia, Parkinson's

  • AI can collaborate with cultural ministries
  • Classical dance aids memory through recitation
  • Yoga activities help cancer patients
  • Summit aimed at human-centric AI governance
3 min read

"Blending AI with cultural practices can help heal from illnesses," says Director of Devika Dance Theatre, Devika Rao

Devika Rao explores blending AI with classical dance and yoga to aid memory and rhythm for patients with Dementia and Parkinson's disease.

"When it comes to Parkinson's disease, the solution lies in rhythm. When it comes to Dementia, it's about memory. - Devika Rao"

New Delhi, February 21

As the AI-India Impact summit come to a close one of the unique aspects was the blending AI with cultural practices. Director of Devika Dance Theatre, University of Leeds, Devika Rao says this can help deal with illnesses like Dementia and Parkinson's better.

She said, "I am presently working with the NHS UK as a collaborator, and also with the Arts Council and DCMS UK. Here, I am exploring the role of AI in cultural education because my roots are connected to Karnataka, and much of my work is based on cultural education and creative health. We are trying to connect literacy with classical Indian dance, which has a texture enriched by Sanskrit traditions. These expressions take different forms, whether through a bhajan or a padam. What is particularly interesting in this AI summit is how AI can collaborate with the Ministry of Culture in India and connect with heritage communities in the UK."

On how exactly it will help in dealing with illnesses, she said, "We also do a lot of Yoga activities for Cancer patients. When it comes to Parkinson's disease, the solution lies in rhythm. When it comes to Dementia, it's about memory. Recitation of Bhajan's can help improve memory. Basically, conveying how you're feeling is very important."

The India AI Impact Summit 2026 was held at Bharat Mandapam, New Delhi from February 16-20, 2026.

The Summit brought together government policymakers, industry AI experts, academicians, technology innovators and civil society from across the world at New Delhi to advance global discussions on artificial intelligence.

The India AI Impact Summit, the first global AI summit to be hosted in the Global South, aimed to reflect on the transformative potential of, AI aligning with the national vision of "Sarvajana Hitaya, Sarvajana Sukhaya" (welfare for all, happiness for all) and global principle of AI for Humanity.

The Summit saw participation of more than 110 countries, 30 International organizations, including about 20 HoS/HoG level participation, about 45 Ministers.

This summit is part of an evolving international process aimed at strengthening global cooperation on the governance, safety, and societal impact of AI.

The India AI Impact Summit 2026 is guided by three Sutras or foundational pillars - People, Planet, and Progress. These sutras articulate the core principles for global cooperation on artificial intelligence. They aim to promote human-centric AI that safeguards rights and ensures equitable benefits across societies, environmentally sustainable advancement of AI, and inclusive economic and technological advancement.

- ANI

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Reader Comments

A
Arjun K
Finally, a practical application of AI that goes beyond just tech and commerce. Connecting AI with the Ministry of Culture could help preserve and propagate our art forms to the younger generation in engaging ways. Hope this gets proper funding and support.
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Rohit P
While the idea is good, I'm a bit skeptical. How exactly will AI be integrated? Will it just be apps that play bhajans? We need clear details on the technology and research behind it, not just feel-good statements. The summit should focus on tangible outcomes.
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Sarah B
As someone with a grandparent facing early dementia, this gives me hope. The power of music and rhythm is undeniable. If AI can personalize these cultural therapies, it could be a game-changer for families across India and the world.
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Karthik V
Blending tech with tradition is the perfect way forward for India. We have thousands of years of knowledge in yoga and classical arts. Using AI to structure and deliver this wisdom for modern healthcare problems is a win-win. Jai Hind!
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Meera T
It's heartening to see an Indian expert leading such work with the NHS UK. This shows the global relevance of our culture. The 'Sarvajana Hitaya' vision for AI is exactly what we need—technology that truly benefits all sections of society, including the elderly and ill.

We welcome thoughtful discussions from our readers. Please keep comments respectful and on-topic.

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