We caught up with the brilliant and insightful Radha Subramanian a few weeks ago and have shared our conversation below.

Radha, thanks for taking the time to share your stories with us today When did you first know you wanted to pursue a creative/artistic path professionally?

I grew up in a spiritually inclined South Indian family in Chennai, where an appreciation for the fine arts was instilled in us by our parents. Our regular visits to the various cultural centers (sabhas) in Alwarpet, our neighborhood, became a norm. As a child, my sister was enrolled to learn the wonderful dance form of Bharatanatyam under the tutelage of Kalaimamani Smt Jayanthy Subramaniam. Inspired by her sessions, I soon followed suit and began learning Bharatanatyam at the age of 4.

As I accompanied my sister to her lessons, my fascination with Bharatanatyam grew. This led me to join her in participating in our teacher’s group production for the “Spirit of Unity” concert series a couple of years later. The performance took place in Puttaparthi, where we had the honor of presenting our art in front of Bhagwan Sri Sathya Sai Baba. Remarkably, this inaugural performance took place on my birthday, allowing me to receive Baba’s blessings on that special day. This experience marked the beginning of a lifelong connection with Bharatanatyam that continues to shape my journey to this day.

Radha, before we move on to more of these sorts of questions, can you take some time to bring our readers up to speed on you and what you do?

I am a Data scientist by profession. Dance is my passion, my calling! I am the Artistic director of the Himalayan School of Traditional Dance (HSTD in short) that was established, under the aegis of world renowned humanitarian and spiritual leader Mohanji, when the world was going through the throes of COVID. It has been 3 years since its inception and when we started it, I had no idea that we would be where we are today – with students from across the world learning this beautiful traditional art forms of India and performing it so beautifully on stages across the globe. This is an example of the power of Grace, working through every adversity.

For me, dance is a way to connect to my true self and soak in the divine. Through teaching this art form, I have the opportunity to give back to society by collaborating with like-minded individuals. Through Dance, I am able to impart the timeless wisdom that is intricately woven into this art. I perceive it as a transformative journey, particularly for children and energetic youngsters, who can benefit from the physical discipline and mental relaxation that Bharatanatyam offers. In today’s lifestyle, many young people face physical and mental challenges, making the practice of Bharatanatyam an invaluable tool to nurture their creative potential and achieve holistic well-being.
The Himalayan School of Traditional Dance, founded by the spiritual master and selfless leader, Mohanji, provides a platform for individuals to embark on this inner journey.

At our academy, we specialize in training students in the classical arts of Bharatanatyam and Kathak. Art, by its very nature, transcends the limitations of the physical realm, delving into the subtle aspects of existence. Through our teachings, we aim to facilitate this profound connection with the subtle aspects of existence, breaking through the external barriers and enabling students to explore the depths of their artistic expression. We constantly strive to discover innovative ways and develop programs that engage passionate seekers from all around the world. To unleash your artistic passion and explore the subtle realms of dance at HSTD, You can learn more about our offerings and programs by visiting our Facebook page.

Can you share a story from your journey that illustrates your resilience?

Throughout each one’s journey, we encounter numerous challenges that puts our resilience to the test. When asked to share what exemplifies my ability to bounce back, I believe it is a combination of several factors that have enabled me to overcome obstacles.

At the core of my resilience lies a profound sense of purpose, a driving force that propels me forward. Regardless of the obstacles that arise, I am fueled by an unwavering determination to overcome them and achieve my goals.

Nurtured in a spiritually rich environment, I have cultivated an unshakeable faith in the power of Grace. When faced with adversity, I ride on the wings of Grace – of God and of the Guru Mandala, finding guidance and blessings bestowed upon me by God and the Guru Mandala.

The unquenchable inner fire to spread our cherished tradition of Sanatana Dharma, serves as a constant source of inspiration. It fuels my determination to march forward and to share the beauty of our tradition with the world.

Lastly, the unwavering support of my family, Mohanji, and my loved ones has played a pivotal role in providing me with the strength and encouragement to persevere. Their belief in me and their unwavering encouragement provide the strength necessary to persevere, even in the most crucial times.

A combination of purpose, faith, passion, and unwavering support has nurtured my resilience.

Are there any books, videos or other content that you feel have meaningfully impacted your thinking?

Thanks to Guru Light, I had the incredible opportunity to embark on the ultimate pilgrimage to Kailash with Mohanji. In the sacred centers like Vasishta Guha and during the Parikrama at Kailash, I was immersed in a profound depth of silence that touched my soul. Similarly, in the presence of a spiritual Master or an Avatar, attaining a state of thoughtlessness becomes more accessible and attainable.

Yet, can anything evoke an even stronger effect while we are engaged in the bustling marketplace, carrying out our daily actions? The answer is a resounding yes! For me, that answer resides within the pages of “Atmananda – Mast the Ecstatic.” This extraordinary book defies adequate description when it comes to the immense power it holds in connecting with the consciousness of an Avadhootha.

“Atmananda is Chaitanya. I am the essence. I have no permanent name or form. I have no birth or death, birthdays or death anniversaries. I am immortal” – Mohanji

The profound words and teachings encapsulated within this book truly ignite a transformative experience, bridging the gap between the mundane and the extraordinary. It serves as a gateway to connect with the immortal essence within ourselves, unveiling the boundless nature of our being.

I wholeheartedly recommend this book to anyone seeking self-discovery. Its pages have the potential to expand your world in ways you may have never imagined.

Contact Info:

• Website: https://himalayanschool.com/dance/
• Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/hstddance/
• Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/HSTD.dance
• Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/HimalayanSchoolofTraditionalDance/
• Other: https://himalayanschooloftraditionaldance.wordpress.com/ https://hstddancediaries.wordpress.com/

Image Credits
Tea Klincov, Vishnu Prasad, Bimal Nair, Sharada Shivakumar, Avinash Hitali