Awards / Honors 17 August 2026
Odissi Dancer Shubhada Varadkar Wins Sangeet Natak Akademi Award
Why in the News?
Renowned Mumbai-based Odissi exponent Shubhada Varadkar was conferred the prestigious Sangeet Natak Akademi Award for Odissi by President Droupadi Murmu at Vigyan Bhavan in New Delhi. The 65-year-old dancer is also the first cousin of Leo Varadkar, the former Prime Minister of Ireland.
Key Features / Major Points:
Prestigious Honor: President Droupadi Murmu presented the award to Shubhada Varadkar for her immense contributions to Odissi classical dance.
Illustrious Lineage: She is the first cousin of Leo Varadkar (former Irish PM) and the grand-niece of Savitri Bai Khanolkar, who designed India’s highest gallantry award, the Param Vir Chakra.
Trained under Legend: She learned Odissi under the legendary Guru Kelucharan Mohapatra in the traditional gurukul system at Bhubaneswar.
Versatile Achiever: Apart from being an accomplished dancer, she is a former economics professor at RR Ruia College, a two-time cancer survivor, and an author.
Static GK Facts:
Sangeet Natak Akademi: The national academy for performing arts set up by the Government of India (Established: 1953, HQ: New Delhi).
Odissi Dance: One of the official classical dance forms of India, originating from Odisha (famous for its tribhanga posture).
Param Vir Chakra: India's highest military decoration for gallantry (Designed by: Savitri Bai Khanolkar).
One-Liner Quiz (All Competitive Exams):
Which famous Odissi exponent was recently awarded the Sangeet Natak Akademi Award by President Droupadi Murmu?
Answer: Shubhada Varadkar
Who designed India's highest gallantry award, the Param Vir Chakra?
Answer: Savitri Bai Khanolkar