Women should cultivate their artistic expression and nurture their unique identity – Kathak Guru Shama Bhate

Pune, 8th March 2025: Through my dance, I’ve gained confidence, communication skills, and concentration. Kathak has inspired me to think and dream. I encourage every woman to nurture her creativity, artistic expression, and cultivate her unique identity,” opined renowned Kathak Guru Shama Bhate. She was speaking at the ‘Grace and Power’ awards ceremony, organized by Sri Balaji University, Pune (SBUP), to celebrate International Women’s Day.

The award ceremony was graced by esteemed guests of honor, including Dr. Prachiti Punde, Co-Founder and Director of the International Chamber of Medical Tourism, and Major Maulshri Agarwal from the Indian Army’s Artillery Division. The event took place at the auditorium of Sri Balaji University’s campus in Tathawade.

This is the inaugural edition of the ‘Grace and Power Award’, and this year’s awardees are Dr. Suruchi Pande, a renowned expert in Ethno-Ornithology and Co-Founder of the ELA Foundation; Priyamvada Pawar, Visual Art Curator, and Rutuja Bhosale, a distinguished international tennis player. Each awardee received a shawl, bouquet, trophy, and a cash prize of ₹10,000.”

Dr. Gangadhar Shirude, Vice Chancellor of SBUP; Dr S. B. Agase, Registrar, Dr, Preeti Joshi, Principal – School of Liberal Arts at SBUP; Dr Archana Shrivastava, Director, BIMM and Dr. Vineenita Deshmukh, Editor – Corporate Citizen Magazine; and other dignitaries were present at the occasion.

While sharing her dance journey, Shama Bhate said, ‘Art empowers you to think and envision your aspirations. My artistic pursuit has led to numerous discoveries, and I am proud to be a dancer and an artist. I firmly believe that the energy derived from art is useful in many ways

Dr. Prachiti Punde elaborated on the significance of cultivating mindful awareness and prioritizing wellness, stressing that these aspects are more vital than external beauty. Meanwhile, Major Maulshri Agarwal provided valuable insights into the necessary attributes and qualifications required to join the Indian Army, emphasizing that a career in the army offers a fulfilling and challenging profession, rather than just a job.

Dr. Pande elaborated on the concept of human debt, highlighting the five types of debts. She stressed the significance of acknowledging and honoring our debt to nature and its inhabitants. Priyamvada Pawar noted that an artistic journey has the power to connect with and educate the community, fostering growth and understanding. Rutuja Bhosale expressed her aspiration that Women’s Day would become an everyday celebration, recognizing the tremendous progress women have made in various fields and are now leading the way.

As part of the program, the ‘ShriBuild’ Women Empowerment brochure was officially launched. This program is conceptualized by the women teaching and non-teaching staff members of SBUP. Dr. Preeti Joshi extended a warm welcome to the attendees. Dr. S B Agase offered valuable guidance to the students present. Dr. Vineeta Deshmukh moderated the event.

Photo Caption award – On the occasion of International Women’s Day, the ‘Grace and Power Award’ ceremony was held at the auditorium of Sri Balaji University’s campus in Tathawade, Pune. Dr. Suruchi Pande, Priyamvada Pawar, and Rutuja Bhosale were honored with the ‘Grace and Power Award’ during the event. In the photo (from left) Shama Bhate, Dr. Prachiti Punde, Priyamvada Pawar, Rutuja Bhosale, Dr. Suruchi Pande, and Dr. Gangadhar Shirude.

Photo caption – Rutuja Bhosale award presentation from left Dr Preeti Joshi, Dr S. B. Agase,Rutuja Bhosale, Shama Bhate, Dr Prachiti Punde.