Bhava, Raga, Tala

By Ayana Biju Nilakkappillil
XI-D, United Indian School
Special to The Times Kuwait

As an Indian, I’ve always felt that Republic Day is not just a constitutional milestone — it’s a living festival of our shared identity. On 26 January, when the Constitution came into effect in 1950, we pledged ourselves to justice, liberty, equality, and fraternity. Among these expressions, Indian classical dance holds a special, dignified place.

Classical dance has never been just an art form in my life; it has been a living expression of who I am and where I come from. As I grow with this art, I feel connected to the many voices that shape India’s cultural soul — Bharatanatyam (Tamil Nadu), Kathak (Uttar Pradesh), Odissi (Odisha), Kuchipudi (Andhra Pradesh), Kathakali and Mohiniyattam (Kerala), Manipuri (Manipur) and Sattriya (Assam).

On Republic Day, these forms come together in my thoughts like a living map of India, reminding me that our Constitution gives space for every culture, language, and tradition to thrive.

Through classical dance, I experience this unity firsthand — learning, respect, and pride in a nation where diversity is not just accepted, but celebrated.

For me, the stories told through dance reflect the ideals enshrined in our Constitution. Classical dance has also taught me about the importance of preserving our traditions while embracing modernity.

However, this balance between ancient aesthetics and a modern, democratic ethos is what makes our performances resonate with the audiences today.