Leela Samson, a world renowned exponent of Bharatnatyam, performed at Guru Nanak Fifth Centenary School, Mussoorie on 11th April, under the aegis of SPIC MACAY.

The SPIC MACAY is a non profit voluntary organization dedicated to promoting an awareness of Indian Culture in Educational institutions throughout India.

Leela Samson has performed and taught Bharatnatyam across India and abroad including the Royal Opera House London and the annual Milapfest at Manchester.

She has performed extensively in India and across Europe, Africa, Canada and America.

She started learning Bharatnatyam at the age of nine at Kalakshetra under the founder, the legendary Rukmini Devi Arundale.

In recognition of her efforts she was awarded the Sanskriti Award in 1982. The Padma Shri Award in 1990 The Sangeet Natak Akademi Award in 2000 and The Natya Kala Acharya Award from The Music Academy, Chennai in 2015.

From August 2010 to September 2014 she served as Chairperson Sangeet Natak Academy New Delhi and From 2011 to 2015 she served as Chairperson Central Board of Film Certification.

Leelaji was accompanied by Miss Satya Priya Iyer, a talented dancer from Pune who is also a recipient of the Natya Kala Vipanchi award.

Also present with her was Shri Bhavajan Kumar one of the most promising dancers of Bharatnatyam. He received his training under Shri Shijith Nambiar and he likes to present his art with sincerity keeping intact its spiritual essence.

The students thoroughly enjoyed their performance and also participated in an interactive session with the distinguished artists, where they collected more information about the dance form.

At the conclusion of the programme, Mrs Leela Samson was honoured by the Dean of GNFC School Mrs N D Sawhney who presented her with a shawl.

The accompanying artists were presented with momentoes by the school Principal Mr Anil Tiwari

The programme concluded with the singing of National Anthem.