Treat every day as a day of artistic challenges which will enable you to further evolve as a human being, said veteran dancer Sonal Mansingh, at the annual convocation of the Rukmini Devi College of Fine Arts, Kalakshetra, on Monday.
Addressing the diploma holders, the Padma Vibhushan award-winner said that she was still watching, learning and imbibing the arts after 40 years of being a dancer.
“Nobody is perfect. Humility is something that young artists should develop and it comes with gratitude,” she said. She also spoke about her memories of performing at the Rukmini Arangam, where the convocation took place and her association with the late founder of Kalakshetra, Rukmini Devi Arundale.
‘Make a difference’
“As artists, we have our responsibility to offer something to the mundane lives led by millions everyday. It is not just enough to limit ourselves to performances and we need to ask ourselves if we are making a difference to the art and to our audiences,” Ms. Mansingh said.
At the convocation ceremony, 43 students received their diplomas and 12 students received their post-diplomas in dance and music.
N. Gopalaswami, chairman of the Governing board of Kalakshetra, Pakala Ramadas, Principal-in-charge and S. Murali Krishnan, Chief Accounts Officer were among those present.
