Festival Curator

Dr Ananda Shankar Jayant, is celebrated as one of India’s leading classical dancers, choreographers and dance scholars.

With an acclaimed and intense body of work that spans rich mythologies, historical chronicles, searing commentaries on topical issues, philosophical enquiry, poetry, story telling, and humour, Ananda, constantly stretches the boundaries of artistic endeavour, using the grammar and idiom of the classical dance format, making her presentations at once contemporary and evocative.

Engaging in every aspect of dance, Ananda, is a prolific solo and ensemble performer, a much loved teacher and Guru, a critically acclaimed and brilliant choreographer, and is a sought after motivational and leadership speaker and writer.

Endowed with a natural flair for team playing and organisational acumen for collaborative work, Ananda has presented some of India’s signature festivals and conferences.

A TED speaker in 2009, Ananda actively lectures on breast cancer support and advocacy issues, having successfully battled the illness herself.

Curator of Ramamrta, The Conference track

The Ramayana is not only an Itihasa. It is the 'sutra', or thread, that binds the cultural, spiritual and philosophical ethos of the entire Indian Subcontinent, in one common essence, that is 'Dharma', a word, unique to us, as an ancient civilization.

It gives me great pleasure to curate 'Rāmāmrta', the Conference segment of 'Ramayana Kalpavrksham ', which will focus on exploring every facet of the Ramayana, the original, retellings, analysis and interpretations by seasoned academics and experts, young, brilliant scholars and ardent devotees of Sri Rama!