Sindhu Raj – Awardee for Art and Culture
Sindhu Raj is a distinguished Bharatanatyam dancer, choreographer, and teacher, deeply rooted in the aesthetic and traditional integrity of Indian classical dance. With an unwavering dedication spanning over four decades, she has tirelessly worked to preserve, promote, and pass on Bharatanatyam to future generations. For the past 24 years, she has been an inspiring mentor, instilling both technical mastery and the inner joy of dance in her students.
Having performed extensively in India and Southeast Asia for over two decades, Sindhu is currently based in Jakarta, where she continues to spread her passion for Bharatanatyam. Her commitment to teaching is reflected in her devoted Indonesian and Indian students, who actively participate in cultural celebrations and prestigious events, including those organized by the Embassy of India, the Indonesian Tamil Sangam, India Club, and various community Deepavali and Navaratri festivals.
Sindhu has also been part of remarkable cross-cultural collaborations, most notably with the late Ibu Bulantrisna Djelantik, the legendary Legong maestro of Indonesia. In 2015, they co-created the dance drama ‘Arjuna Dibiasakti’, seamlessly merging Indian and Indonesian classical dance forms. This production was later staged at the World Dance Day celebrations in Solo in 2016, a cherished milestone in her artistic journey.
Dedicated to maintaining the spiritual essence of Bharatanatyam, Sindhu celebrates Vijayadasami annually by organizing performances that honor the Bharatanatyam margam and pay tribute to the Gurus. She has also guided her students toward significant milestones, with two having successfully completed their Arangetram, a solo debut performance that marks the beginning of their lifelong dance journey.
As a passionate custodian of Indian culture, Sindhu Raj believes in continuous learning, hard work, and humility, and remains steadfast in her mission to inspire the younger generation to learn, love, and cherish this divine art form. Her remarkable contributions to Indian classical dance in Indonesia make her a deserving recipient of the Indoindians Extraordinary Woman Award for Art and Culture.
