I am a classical Bharatanatyam dancer and a Carnatic vocal singer. I started attending these classes when I was 7 years old and continued till 12th standard. I enjoyed dancing as it was a break from studies and routine school activities. It always helped me to be fit and active and above all a happy soul. I was in a troupe and gave many programs which highlighted our mythology and rich culture. Once I Joined medical college, the frequency of performances became less however I was known to college officials including the dean due to my dancing and singing skills which certainly made me popular.

I continued dancing even In the UK where we lived and worked for 12 years. When we are away from our motherland, we miss everything about it. There were many associations by Indians to promote our culture and I performed in some. I taught my kids Bharatanatyam from a very young age. Dancing with them gives me so much happiness even to date. Even after relocating to Mangalore, our hometown, I have performed in our IMA celebrations. During COVID and lockdown, my hobbies kept me going.

Dancing helps me evolve spiritually. As the name Bharatanatyam stands, I can appreciate various emotions, raagas, and talas of compositions. It has helped me understand our p culture, above all it is a stress buster. As we become busy practitioners, many of us lose our hobbies and we forget about a life beyond clinical work. I feel sad about this as hobbies help us to get work-life balance and move on with life challenges. I am ever grateful to my parents, husband, and family for encouraging me to pursue my passion and the editorial board for this opportunity.