In a proud moment for Telangana, M. Gauravi Reddy, a 17-year-old prodigy in Indian classical dance, has been conferred the Pradhan Mantri Rashtriya Bal Puraskar under the Art & Culture category. The award, presented by President Droupadi Murmu at a ceremony in New Delhi, recognises outstanding achievements by children in various fields.
Gauravi, a versatile performer, has mastered multiple classical dance forms including Kuchipudi, Bharatanatyam, Odissi, and Kathak. With over 300 performances across India and abroad, she has broken seven world records and won several national and international accolades for her talent and dedication to Indian classical dance.
She is also the youngest Indian nominee to the International Dance Council (CID UNESCO), marking her as a global representative of Indian heritage arts.
In her message, Gauravi emphasized the importance of preserving cultural roots. “While embracing modern influences, we must stay connected to our traditions. Classical dance teaches discipline, expression, and heritage,” she said.
Currently a student of design at Woxsen University, Hyderabad, Gauravi has balanced academics with her artistic passion. The university and cultural bodies across Telangana have lauded her for bringing glory to the state and for inspiring young artists across India.
Gauravi’s recognition with the Bal Puraskar not only celebrates her personal achievements but also highlights the rich cultural traditions of Telangana and the enduring value of India’s classical art forms.
