I owe the award to my students: Padma Srinivasaragavan

 I started Silambam in 1991 in Indore. But when I shifted to Chennai, I didn’t want to stop teaching so I continued under the same name. However, I began teaching way back in 1980 at my guru Sudharani Raghupathy’s school Shree Bharatalaya, when I was her senior disciple. In 1983, I was sent by my guru to teach dance at Colgate University, Hamilton, New York, where I trained students for three months.

What does the award mean to you? 

I am happy to be receiving the award, which has been jointly given to me by Kartik Fine Arts and Na Maargam Dance Company. Madurai Krishnan, a recipient of Padma Bhushan, introduced me to my guru Sudharani, when I moved here from Mumbai. I am deeply indebted to their kindness. A guru gets appreciation when her students do well. I owe the award to them, and my family— husband, son and brother. 

I stopped performing almost four years ago. I have been solely focusing on teaching and my students. I occasionally feel I should get back to the stage, Maybe, when we have a thematic performance, I will take part in it.