A Grand Tribute to the Dance Historian
The Indira Gandhi National Centre for the Arts (IGNCA) hosted a major event in New Delhi to mark the centenary year of Prof. Mohan Khokar, the pioneering dance scholar and historian who created India’s largest dance archive. The celebration brought together Padma awardees, renowned gurus, scholars, and cultural icons from across India and abroad.
Memorial Lecture and Key Remarks
The chief guest was Dr. Sonal Mansingh, Padma Vibhushan awardee and IGNCA Trustee. Dr. Karan Singh, eminent scholar and statesman, delivered the third Prof. Mohan Khokar Memorial Lecture, highlighting how Khokar’s decision to keep his priceless collection in India ensured its availability for future generations. He called the Mohan Khokar Dance Collection a priceless treasure that must be preserved.
Dr. Sachchidanand Joshi, Member Secretary of IGNCA, stressed that the collection is the largest dance archive in the world and should be listed as a UNESCO heritage. Prof. Ashish Khokar, dance historian and son of Mohan Khokar, said the centenary was a celebration of Indian dance history preserved with extraordinary dedication.
Cultural Performances and Film Screening
The event opened with a dance-drama featuring 25 eminent artists, including Pt. Harish Gangani and disciples of Yamini Krishnamurthy, followed by a film screening titled “Mr. Dance of India”. Later, 100 dancers from Delhi performed in a spectacular finale that enthralled the audience.
Release of AttenDance Special Issue
A silver jubilee issue of Prof. Khokar’s annual dance journal AttenDance was released, titled “Indian Dance in France,” with contributions covering 70 dancers and institutions. Edited by Sonya Vaini Singh from Montpellier, France, the issue was launched by dignitaries and presented to Aman Nath.
Exhibition of Mohan Khokar’s Legacy
Alongside the celebrations, IGNCA inaugurated an exhibition titled “The A–Z of Indian Dance – Vignettes of Veterans.” Visitors can also explore the Mohan Khokar Dance Collection gallery, India’s first dance museum and archive, open till December 30, 2025.
About Prof. Mohan Khokar
Born in 1924 in undivided Punjab, Mohan Khokar was the first male student of Kalakshetra, trained by Rukmini Devi Arundale. Married to Bharatanatyam guru M.K. Saroja, he spent his life documenting and preserving India’s dance heritage. His collection of photographs, manuscripts, costumes, and recordings forms a national cultural treasure housed at IGNCA.
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