Geeta Chandran (2008-09)
Dancer Geeta Chandran is a role model in the arts of social responsibility. Even while she upholds the pristine classicism of Bharatanatyam, she has ventured to make her dance relevant in both- the way she teaches the dance and in the way she performs it. She is the founder of Natya Vriksha, an institution that enshrines the highest value of Indian culture. Currently over hundred - including some from deprived backgrounds - are being trained in classical dance at Natya Vriksha. Geeta has constantly striven to create new spaces for the classical dancer of today. She continuously attempts to raise and spread social issues through her classical dance performances around the country and around the world to reach out to young audience and spread awareness and concern. She raised and highlighted issues like female infanticide, issues of stigma and discrimination in society, issues like terrorism, traumatizing children, discrimination based on caste and religion in society etc. Geeta Chandran leverages her position as a society leader and a role model.