Padma Vibhushan Dr. Sonal Mansingh is an iconic cultural personality of India, internationally renowned as an artist, cultural educator, guru, scholar, author, motivational speaker, kathakar, and social activist. She is acclaimed for her ability to interlink cultural interpretations of philosophy, literature, sculpture, and mythological parables with their influence on India’s socio-cultural fabric.

As a celebrated classical dancer, Dr. Mansingh has uniquely used her art to address significant contemporary issues such as ecological imbalance, environmental protection, women’s empowerment, and social justice, particularly for marginalised communities. Her creative vision has resulted in several path-breaking choreographies that continue to inspire audiences across the world. She has performed, lectured, and conducted workshops in over 90 countries.

Her vibrant creativity has redefined traditional Indian repertories through innovative experimentation. She revived the ancient art of Natya-Katha, blending singing, narrative craft, and abhinaya to create an immersive storytelling experience drawing from mythology, literature, and social themes.

Her renowned choreographies — including Devi Durga, Draupadi, Indradhanush, Manavata, Sabras, Aatmayan, Mera Bharat, and Mukti — reflect her deep engagement with Indian mythology and its timeless relevance in the modern world.

As the Founder-President of the Centre for Indian Classical Dances (est. 1977), Dr. Mansingh has trained thousands of artists who continue to spread the message of Indian culture globally. The institution remains one of the most respected hubs for classical dance education in India.

In July 2018, she was nominated by the President of India to the Rajya Sabha, becoming the first classical dancer to receive this distinction. She was also chosen as one of the Navaratnas for the Swachh Bharat Mission by Prime Minister Narendra Modi in 2014, contributing to campaigns on cleanliness and social responsibility. The Government of Assam conferred on her the prestigious Srimanta Sankardeva Award (2023) for her extraordinary contribution to India’s cultural heritage.

Dr. Mansingh’s commitment extends beyond performance art. She has held several leadership roles in major cultural institutions. She has served as Chairperson of the Sangeet Natak Akademi, and is currently serving her second term as a trustee at the Indira Gandhi National Centre for the Arts (IGNCA). She is also a visiting professor at IIT Kharagpur and a member of the Society of the Indian Institute of Advanced Study, Shimla.

Her inspiring journey has been widely documented. Filmmaker Prakash Jha’s National Award-winning documentary Sonal (2002), her Hindi biography Devapriya by Yatindra Mishra (2010), and Sonal Mansingh: A Life Like No Other by Sujata Prasad (2017) celebrate her artistic legacy. She has authored notable works including Incredible India – Classical Dances of India, and her recent writings are compiled in A ZigZag Mind.

Dr. Mansingh’s extensive knowledge of classical Indian music—vocal and instrumental—along with her proficiency in multiple Indian languages, enriches her artistic expression. Her global experiences shape her inclusive vision of the performing arts as catalysts for harmony, coexistence, and the ancient Indian ethos of Vasudhaiva Kutumbakam — the world is one family.

Her life and work continue to stand as a testament to the power of art, culture, and perseverance, embodying the philosophy of art as a transformative force for social change.