Shallu Jindal receives Urbashee Award

Bhubaneswar: Noted Kuchipudi danseuse and chairperson of JSPL Foundation, Shallu Jindal has been honoured with the prestigious Urbashee Award for her contribution to Indian dance and music.

She received the award on 16th February at Bhubaneswar during the Music Festival ‘Kamala Desha Rajakumara’ organized by Prafulla Kar Foundation and Sanskar on the occasion of 81st Birthday of eminent musician Prafulla Kar.

Padma Vibhusan Dr. Sitakant Mahapatra, Padmashri Prafulla Kar, Padma Vibhushan Dr. Raghunath Mohapatra (MP, Rajya Sabha), Dr. Prasanna Kumar Patsaani (Former MP), Ananta Narayan Jena (MLA), Dash Benhur (President, Prafulla Kar Foundation) and other dignitaries were present during the award.

Receiving the award, Jindal expressed her deep gratitude to the Prafulla Kar Foundation and the people of Odisha for the honour.

“Dance and art are my soul. I make all effort to promote rich culture of Indian dance and music, wherever possible. Receiving the award from legends and Padma Awardee winners is proud moment for me,” she said.

“Odisha is the land where every stone has a tale to tell and every sound of music has divinity imbibed with it. I aspire to contribute more to the art, culture and quality of life of the People of Odisha,” she further added.

Jindal was drawn to the dance from her early days and was initiated into Kuchipudi by her Gurus, Padma Bhushan RajaRadha and Kaushalya Reddy. She is taking steps to popularize Kuchipudi in other parts of India.

Her grace, beauty and riveting performances nationally & internationally over the years have held audiences spellbound.

She has opened the Jindal Art Institute in New Delhi with the aim of spreading far and wide the rich artistic heritage of India and the world with the masses.

Besides, Shallu Jindal is a noted Social Contributor and the Chairperson of JSPL Foundation. She is the former Chairperson of National Bal Bhawan under Ministry of HRD, GOI and the Founder President of Young FICCI Ladies Organisation (YFLO).