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Kuchipudi's Global Ambassador: Arunima Kumar Receives King's Empire Medal

Arunima Kumar has made history as the first Kuchipudi dancer to receive King Charles III's Honorary British Empire Medal. She moved to Britain years ago and noticed people didn't understand the art form, so she worked to institutionalize it professionally. Her dance company has now performed over 3,000 times across more than 50 countries worldwide. She's currently hosting a cultural exchange where British students are learning Kuchipudi in New Delhi.

Key Points: Arunima Kumar Receives King Charles British Empire Medal for Kuchipudi

  • First Kuchipudi artist to receive King Charles III's Honorary British Empire Medal
  • Founded Arunima Kumar Dance Company with 3,000+ global performances
  • Pioneered Kuchipudi at iconic venues from Buckingham Palace to Sydney Opera House
  • Leading cultural exchange with British students learning dance in India
2 min read

It's been years of struggle and hard work: UK-based Kuchipudi dancer Arunima Kumar on receiving King Charles III's British Empire Medal

UK-based Kuchipudi dancer Arunima Kumar makes history as first artist of the form to receive King Charles III's Honorary British Empire Medal for promoting Indian classical dance worldwide.

"I'm very, very grateful, very, very happy, because it has been years of struggle and hard work. - Arunima Kumar"

New Delhi, October 24

Renowned UK-based Kuchipudi exponent Arunima Kumar has created history by becoming the first artist of the dance form to receive King Charles III's Honorary British Empire Medal (BEM) for her outstanding contribution to promoting Indian classical dance in the United Kingdom and across the world.

Speaking to ANI, Arunima shared her emotions upon receiving the honour and said she was deeply grateful. She described the recognition as a moment that reflects her years of "struggle and hard work."

"I'm very, very grateful, very, very happy, because it has been years of struggle and hard work. You know, when I went to Britain many, many years ago as a Kuchipudi dancer, I was working in the corporate sector, and I realised that there was a gap, and people really didn't know about the art form. I took it upon myself to set up something very professional, institutionalise the art form, and work with mainstream venues to perform," she said.

Arunima's Arunima Kumar Dance Company (AKDC), in collaboration with the British Council, is set to host a special cultural event titled 'Samarpanam - A Dance Offering' in New Delhi on Friday evening.

The event marks a unique cultural exchange between India and the United Kingdom, with 15 to 20 young British students, aged 11 to 16, travelling to India to participate in a week-long Kuchipudi dance program.

During rehearsals at the British Council on Thursday, Arunima reflected on how far her journey has come -- from introducing Kuchipudi to British audiences to being honoured by the King, and now having her students representing her in the city for the big event. She called it a surreal experience.

"Slowly, with nobody understanding what Kuchipudi dance is, to now receiving this honour and having all of the students--or at least some of them--here representing me in the city where I grew up is something very special. I'm very excited, grateful, and overwhelmed," she shared.

AKDC was founded by Arunima, who has led over 3,000 performances in more than 50 countries and trained over 250 students worldwide. She has brought Kuchipudi to some of the world's most iconic stages, from Buckingham Palace and 10 Downing Street to the European Parliament and Sydney Opera House. Arunima has also pioneered the use of dance in hospitals, prisons, schools, and care homes as a tool for empowerment, healing, and inclusion.

- ANI

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Reader Comments

R
Rohit P
This is wonderful news! Kuchipudi deserves this international recognition. The fact that she's bringing British students to learn in India shows true cultural exchange. More power to her!
S
Sarah B
As someone who has attended her performance at Buckingham Palace, I can say Arunima's work is exceptional. She makes Kuchipudi accessible to international audiences while maintaining its authenticity.
A
Aditya G
While I appreciate her achievements, I wonder if such recognition from British monarchy is something we should celebrate so much. Our art forms have intrinsic value regardless of colonial validation.
M
Meera T
The part about using dance in hospitals and prisons is so beautiful! Art as therapy and rehabilitation - this is how we should be promoting our cultural heritage. Kudos to Arunima for thinking beyond just performances.
D
David E
3000 performances across 50 countries! That's some serious dedication. Shows what one determined person can achieve in promoting cultural understanding between nations.

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