2016-02-29 Mon

Rukmini Devi a celebrated Indian theosophist, dancer and choreographer of Bharatnatyam was born on 29Th February 1904.

She was an activist for animal rights and welfare and when she was nominated to Rajya Shabha in 1952 she introduced the Bill for the ""Prevention of Cruelty to Animals".

She revived the Indian classical dance form of Bharatnatyam to its original 'sadhir' style, prevalent amongst the temple dancers, Devadasis, she also worked for the re-establishment of traditional Indian arts and crafts.

Rukmini Devi features in India Today's list of '100 People Who Shaped India'. She was awarded the Padma Bhushan in 1956 and Sangeet Natak Akademi Fellowship in 1967.

In 1987, India Post issued a 60 Paise commemorative stamp and in 2009 a definitive stamp of INR 5 in honour of this legendary Indian artist.