V R Devika

🪔 About

Dr. V. R. Devika is an Indian educationist, author, actor, and cultural activist, widely recognized for her significant contributions to linking traditional performing arts with education and promoting the ideals of Mahatma Gandhi. She received her Bharatanatyam training from the esteemed Padma Bhushan awardees V.P. Dhananjayan and Shanta Dhananjayan at Bharatha Kalaanjali. Furthering her expertise, she taught dance theory at Padma Bhushan late Kalanidhi Narayan's Abhinaya Sudha and serves as a mentor for Rukminidevi Natyakashetra. Dr. Devika holds a PhD on Mahatma Gandhi's communication strategies from the University of Madras and an M.A. in Gandhian Thought from Madurai Kamaraj University. She is the founder and managing trustee of The Aseema Trust, a non-profit organization dedicated to integrating traditional performing arts and education. Her career also includes a tenure as Director for Education and Culture of the Madras Craft Foundation and its project Dakshinachitra heritage center from 1985 to 1996. A prolific writer, she has authored several books, including biographies of Dr. Muthulakshmi Reddy and Rukmini Devi Arundale, and co-authored English language textbooks. She is also a well-known storyteller, giving numerous presentations on cultural heritage and Mahatma Gandhi. Awards & Honours: Laadli National Award for English Memoir (2025), Zakia Shankar Pathak Award from Bharatiya Vidya Bhavan, Bengaluru (2024), South Asia Laadli Media award in the category of nonfiction (for her book on Dr. Muthulakshmi Reddy) (2023), Laadli Media and Advertising Award for Gender Sensitivity (for her book 'Rukmini Devi Arundale: Arts Revivalist and Institution Builder') (2025), Kala Seva Ratna award from Rasika Ranjani Sabha, Nrutya Surabhi award from Urise arts academy, Stree Shakthi award from Ladies Special magazine, Kalasevabharathi award from Bharath Kalachar, Gnanasamudhra award from Samudra magazine, Satya Vimarshaka Sundaram award from Bharatanjali, Commemorative award from Bharathakalaanjali, Vocational excellence award from Women's Indian Association (WIA), Women's day honour from Brew Magazine and Jaycees, Lifetime achievement award from the Amir Khusro music academy, Vocational excellence awards from Rotary clubs.