New Delhi: Noted Kathak dancer Aditi Mangaldas has turned down an award that was to be given by the Gujarat government, saying she does not believe in the policies and actions of the current political dispensation in the state.
Mangaldas says, "The environment of violence that the Gujarat government represents, is everything that art is not. The government has ruined the secular fabric of the state". The award in question is the 'Gaurav Puraskar' given by the Gujarat State Sangeet Natak Academy and was to be presented at a function in Gandhinagar on Monday.
She said she was proud to be an Indian and an artist. 'But with humanity and the essence of Indianness and art having been so violated, degraded and dishonoured by the very state government that is offering me this honour, I find it impossible to accept.
'I am sure my fellow Gujaratis, who share my feelings, will support my decision.'
The dancer, who also runs the Drishtikon Dance Foundation, was reportedly to be given the award at a ceremony in Gandhinagar next week.
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