Archive · 3 Jan 2026
Sonal Mansingh Advocates Cultural Learning for Youth
Sonal Mansingh is a famous dancer who has won many awards.
She talks about her book that explains the importance of teachers and students in Indian dance.
She also discusses how Indian art is respected worldwide and how young people should learn about their culture.
She mentions a big dance festival called KalaYatra 2026 where many different dance styles will be shown.
She cares a lot about women's rights and wants young people to be more interested in their traditions.
Sonal Mansingh, a renowned classical dancer, discusses her book 'A ZigZag Mind' which highlights the Guru-Shishya tradition and secularism in Indian performing arts.
She emphasizes the global influence of Indian art and the role of political leadership in promoting it.
Mansingh notes that young people today have more opportunities to showcase their art but need to have staying power and continue their practice.
The upcoming 'Festival of New Choreographies – KalaYatra 2026' will feature various dance forms and include a group representing the LGBTQ community for the first time.
She advocates for women's empowerment and encourages youth to engage more with their cultural heritage and traditions.
- Who
- Sonal Mansingh, a renowned classical dancer and Padma Vibhushan awardee
- What
- An interview discussing her book, the state of Indian performing arts, and the importance of cultural learning for the youth
- When
- The interview was published recently, with the festival KalaYatra 2026 scheduled for January 13-15 and January 28-29, 2026
- Where
- The interview was conducted by The Statesman, and the festival will be held at Kamani Auditorium in the nation's capital
- Why
- To highlight the importance of the Guru-Shishya tradition, the global influence of Indian performing arts, and the need for youth to engage with their cultural heritage
- Name
- Sonal Mansingh
- Awards
- Padma Vibhushan, Padma Bhushan, Sangeet Natak Akademi Award
- Dance Forms Practiced
- Manipuri, Kuchipudi, Odissi, Bharatanatyam
- Book
- A ZigZag Mind
- Festival
- KalaYatra 2026
- Organisation Founded
- Centre for Indian Classical Dances
- Current Role
- Trustee at Indira Gandhi National Centre for the Arts (IGNCA)