INDORE: Acclaimed Dance Master Dr. Ashish Pillai was Honored with Gopi Krishna National Award at All India Artists Association Ceremony.  In a prestigious event held at the Kalibari Temple auditorium in Shimla, the All India Artists Association presented the Gopi Krishna National Award to Ashish Pillai, a renowned figure in the field of dance. The ceremony witnessed the triumph of Drupad Academy in the 68th All India Dance competition, where they secured remarkable achievements.

The evening was graced by the presence of esteemed guests, including the Governor of Himachal Pradesh, Shri Shiv Prasad Shukla, and popular television actor Rohitashv Gour from the show "Bhabhi Ji Ghar Par Hai." The atmosphere was charged with excitement as the winners were announced and felicitated for their exceptional performances.

Dr.Ashish Pillai, a distinguished personality in the world of dance, was honored with the prestigious Gopi Krishna National Award. This accolade recognizes his outstanding contributions and relentless dedication to the art form. The Governor of Himachal Pradesh, Shri Shiv Prasad Shukla, presented the award to Dr.Ashish Pillai, lauding his commitment to preserving and promoting Indian classical dance.

The Drupad Academy, under the guidance of Dr.Ashish Pillai, emerged as the winner of the 68th All India Dance competition. The competition featured various dance forms, and Drupad Academy excelled in multiple categories. Their extraordinary talent and hard work were recognized as they secured the first prize in Kathak and Folk dance. Additionally, they earned the second prize in Bharatanatyam, further demonstrating their versatility and prowess.
The Folk group from Drupad Academy, consisting of veteran ladies who are also mothers, showcased their deep-rooted cultural heritage and captivated the audience with their mesmerizing performance. Navishtha Narvariya, the youngest member of the group, showcased her immense talent by winning the first place in the semiclassical category in the Play Mate division. Harshita and Suhani secured victories in the Folk dance category, while Krishna and anshika achieved excellence in the semiclassical category. Their achievements were a testament to their unwavering dedication and the rigorous training they received at the Drupad Academy.

The event served as a platform to celebrate and acknowledge the exceptional talent within the Indian dance community. It provided an opportunity for artists from different backgrounds to come together, showcase their skills, and foster a sense of unity and camaraderie.

The All India Artists Association, held 68th All India Dance competition at  Kalibari Temple, this grand event aimed to promote and preserve the rich cultural heritage of India. The recognition and appreciation bestowed upon Dr. Ashish Pillai and the Drupad Academy will undoubtedly inspire aspiring dancers and artists to pursue their passion and contribute to the ever-evolving world of dance.

The ceremony concluded on a high note, leaving the audience with a sense of awe and admiration for the remarkable talent displayed by the participants. The All India Artists Association, through this event, have further strengthened their commitment to nurturing and promoting Indian art forms and ensuring their continuity for generations to come.

We won the following prizes: 
First: Group Kathak senior
Group Folk - mother's group
Navishtha Narvaria playmate semiclassical

Harshita Pahwa and Suhani Bhandari Folk Duet
Second: Group Bharatnatyam
Akshayni Pare Semiclassical
Anshika and Krishna Fandsey Semiclassical
Saumya Dwivedi and Bhoomi Rathod Folk duet
Third: Saanvi Padhye and Anisha Nigam Kathak Duet
Appreciation award:
Krishna Fandsey
Bhumi Rathod
Akshayini Pare
Harshita Pahwa
Sanvi Padhye
Suhani Bhandari
Gourangi Joshi 
Harshita and Gaurangi

Also read: Indore Dancers Felicitated at Puri, Orissa