‘Become President and quit dancing…’ Prime Minister made the offer, but the dancer refused immediately, today she is an example

Mumbai. It has been 100 years since the struggle against British rule and its stories. But even today these stories and their characters seem to be a thing of the past. Exactly 100 years ago, in India, a collective intelligence was engaged in uprooting the roots of British rule in the entire country. The picture of India that is beautiful today, must have been formed in the minds of the enlightened and conscious people of the country 100 years ago.

The stories of the people who kept the spirit of freedom struggle alive in every corner of the country and the world should also be remembered because after their arrival on this earth, this world was not the same as it used to be earlier. In today’s story, we are going to tell you about an important character of this glorious saga. Who refused the offer of becoming the President for Bharatnatma dance. Later, this great dancer left behind a long legacy of awards including Padma Bhushan, Sangeet Natak Academy Award. The name of this great dancer was ‘Rukmini Devi Arundale’.

The story begins 100 years ago
Rukmani Devi’s life started on a special day. 29th February is very special for birthdays. On this special date in 1904, a daughter was born in a Brahmin family of Tamil Nadu. She was named Rukmani. Her father Neelakanta Shastri was an engineer and spent the whole day in the office. Rukmani grew up in her mother Seshammal’s lap. Rukmani’s mother was fond of music and dance. Rukmani, who grew up in an environment of art, also started getting inclined towards music and dance. She used to learn Bharatnatyam and sing since childhood. When Rukmani was 16 years old, she was married in 1920.

At the age of just 16, she got married to a man 26 years older than her

Rukmani was married to a 42-year-old man named Dr. George Arundale. There was an age difference of 26 years between the two. There was opposition in the Brahmin community regarding this. But Rukmani herself came forward in 1930 and said, ‘Everyone has their own ideals. It is not right to live according to the ideals of someone else’s life.

We have to pay attention to our ideals.’ Rukmani’s parents were associated with Annie Besant’s Theosophical Society. Both were active in this society. Rukmani was also made the president of the Young Theosophical Society. Rukmani remained active in Bharatanatyam dance throughout her life. She also made a lot of efforts to improve the image of dance and dancers in the society.

Rukmani Devi died on 24 February 1986.

The Prime Minister had offered to become the President

In the 70s, Rukmani was offered the post of President by the Prime Minister of India Morarji Desai. But for this post, Rukmani would have had to give up dance. But her dedication towards dance was far above the greed for this post. Rukmani refused the offer to become President. Later, Rukmani’s life itself became an example. Rukmani was honored with the ‘Padma Bhushan’ in 1965. Along with this, Rukmani was also honored with the Sangeet Natak Academy Award in 1957 for her contribution to music and dance.

In 1967, she was honoured with the Sangeet Natak Akademi Fellowship. Rukmani has been honoured with many awards in her career. Rukmani’s entire life was dedicated to art. Rukmani Devi passed away on 24 February 1986. Even after Rukmani Devi’s demise, her lifelong earnings are still alive as a legacy in dance. Rukmani’s life became an example for thousands of women. Rukmani became the first woman MP of India who was a member of the Rajya Sabha.