Yamini Reddy chosen for Devdasi National Award

Bhubaneshwar, Oct 4 (UNI) New Delhi-based Kuchipudi dancer Yamini Reddy has been chosen for the prestigious Devdasi National Award of this year for her rich contribution towards the promotion of Indian classical dance.

Instituted by Devdasi Nrutya Mandir, the award carries a memento and a citation.

Festival coordinator Jagabandhu Jena today here said, ''The award will be conferred on Yamini on the concluding day of the three-day Devdasi National Dance Festival here on October 17. The last living Devdasi of Puri, Shasimoni Devi shall present the award and bless the artiste.'' A committee, comprising dance critics, dance gurus and senior dancers, selected Yamini as their unanimous choice from among tne short-listed artistes from across the globe, Mr Jena revealed.

The award, launched last year, is meant for outstanding young Indian classical dancer below the age of 35 years from any part of the world, who has the passion, devotion and dedication of a Devdasi towards dance he said.

UNI