Performance by Damir and Tatyana

At “The Fragrance of a Legend”

Speech by Ambassador Ruchira Kamboj on 24 February 2024

Ladies and Gentlemen,

Good evening and welcome to this enchanting evening, a tribute to the legendary Rukmini Devi Arundale, whose life was a symphony of grace, dedication, and transformative vision. Today, as we gather to celebrate the magnificence of Bharatanatyam, we pay homage to a woman who redefined this ancient art form, elevating it to a global stature and embedding it deeply into the cultural lexicon of our nation.

"Art transcends all barriers," Rukmini Devi once said, embodying the essence of creativity that knows no bounds. Her journey was not just about reviving Bharatanatyam; it was about challenging and changing the narrative, making it accessible and respected, a beacon of India's rich cultural heritage. She showed us that "The greatness of art is not to find what is common but what is unique."

India, with its tapestry of traditions and artistic expressions, has always been a cradle of profound cultural wealth. Rukmini Devi's work is a testament to this legacy. She did not merely preserve Bharatanatyam; she breathed new life into it, ensuring it was seen not as a relic of the past but as a living, breathing embodiment of beauty and spirituality. As Rabindranath Tagore beautifully articulated, "The butterfly counts not months but moments, and has time enough." Rukmini Devi's life reminds us that it is not the duration but the depth of impact that defines our legacy.

Tonight, as our dancers take the stage, let them be reminders of Rukmini Devi's enduring spirit. Each movement, each rhythm, and each expression is a celebration of her vision—a vision that saw beyond the constraints of her time, embracing the universal language of dance to unite, inspire, and elevate.

Rukmini Devi Arundale once stated, "I was also deeply touched by the realization that God created this world with the joy of creativity." It is this divine joy of creativity that we celebrate today—a joy that transcends mere performance and becomes a medium of spiritual communion and cultural continuity.

As we immerse ourselves in the performances tonight, let us remember that we are not just spectators but custodians of a rich cultural heritage that Rukmini Devi Arundale fought so passionately to preserve and promote. Let us honor her memory by continuing to support and cherish the arts, ensuring they remain a vibrant and vital part of our collective identity.

In closing, I leave you with the words of Mahatma Gandhi, "Our ability to reach unity in diversity will be the beauty and the test of our civilization." Let the legacy of Rukmini Devi Arundale guide us in celebrating our diversity and unity through the universal language of art and dance.

Thank you, and let us now revel in the beauty and splendor of Bharatanatyam, a fitting tribute to a true pioneer of Indian art and culture.

Enjoy the evening.