Sayanthana Mohan – A Rising Star in Indian Classical Dance

Introduction
In the vibrant cultural landscape of India, young talents continue to carry forward the legacy of classical arts with dedication and pride. Among them shines Sayanthana Mohan, a 7th standard student of Manovikas School, Goa, who has already carved a special place for herself in the world of Indian classical dance.
With grace in her movements and devotion in her expressions, Sayanthana represents the perfect blend of talent, discipline, and cultural rootedness. At such a young age, she has demonstrated that true passion, when nurtured with commitment, can lead to extraordinary accomplishments.
Early Passion and Training
From an early age, Sayanthana showed a natural inclination toward dance. What began as a childhood interest soon transformed into a disciplined pursuit of excellence in two of India’s most respected classical dance forms:
- Odissi – Known for its lyrical grace, sculpturesque poses, and devotional storytelling.
- Kuchipudi – Celebrated for its dynamic movements, expressive abhinaya, and dramatic presentation.
Mastering even one classical dance form requires years of rigorous training. Sayanthana has embraced the challenge of learning both, dedicating countless hours to practice, refining her footwork, expressions, posture, and rhythm.
Her performances beautifully reflect her deep respect for tradition while radiating youthful energy and confidence.
Television Recognition and National Performances
One of the proud milestones in Sayanthana’s journey has been her performance on Goa Doordarshan, where she showcased both Odissi and Kuchipudi. Performing on such a respected television platform at a young age is a remarkable achievement and a testament to her growing recognition.
Beyond television, she has performed on numerous prestigious stages across India. Whether in cultural festivals, dance competitions, or special programmes, her presence on stage is marked by:
- Strong command over technique
- Graceful body language
- Expressive storytelling through abhinaya
- Perfect synchronization with rhythm and music
Her performances have consistently earned admiration from audiences, judges, and senior artists alike.
Awards and Prestigious Honors
Sayanthana’s dedication and hard work have been recognized across various states in India. Her growing list of accolades reflects her consistent excellence and artistic maturity.
✨ Future Face Award (Odissi & Kuchipudi)
Awarded in Bhubaneswar and Goa, this recognition celebrates her promising future in both classical dance forms.
✨ Odissi Prativa Award – Delhi
A prestigious honor acknowledging her exceptional talent and commitment to Odissi.
✨ Guru Poushali Mukherjee Pratibha Puraskar – West Bengal
An esteemed award recognizing outstanding young classical artists.
✨ Nritya Kala Vidushi – Goa
A significant title conferred in recognition of her refined skills and dedication to classical dance.
✨ Best Performer – AIDA Dance Programme 2024
Recognized as the Best Performer at the AIDA Dance Programme 2024, highlighting her excellence among talented participants.
These awards are not merely recognitions but milestones marking her artistic growth and perseverance.
Balancing Academics and Art
As a 7th standard student of Manovikas School, Sayanthana gracefully balances her academic responsibilities with intense dance training. Managing schoolwork, rehearsals, stage performances, and travel demands exceptional time management and discipline.
Her ability to maintain excellence in both academics and classical arts speaks volumes about her determination and maturity.
Family Support and Cultural Roots
Behind every young achiever stands a strong foundation of family support and encouragement. Sayanthana is the daughter of Shri Mohan Kumar, Treasurer, AIMA Goa. His guidance and unwavering support have played a significant role in nurturing her artistic journey.
Being part of a culturally active and community-oriented family has further strengthened her connection with Indian traditions and values. The encouragement from her family and mentors continues to inspire her to aim higher and perform better.
An Inspiration to the Younger Generation
Sayanthana Mohan’s journey is an inspiration to many young students who dream of pursuing classical arts. In an era dominated by modern entertainment, her commitment to preserving and promoting traditional dance forms is truly commendable.
She proves that:
- Passion must be supported by discipline
- Talent flourishes through consistent practice
- Cultural heritage can be proudly carried forward by the younger generation
Her achievements bring pride not only to Goa but also to the larger artistic community across India.
The Road Ahead
With her growing list of achievements, television performances, and national-level recognitions, Sayanthana’s journey has only just begun. The dedication she displays today is a strong indication of the heights she is destined to reach in the future.
With continued training, guidance, and blessings, she is poised to become one of the prominent names in Indian classical dance.
Conclusion
Sayanthana Mohan is more than just a talented young dancer — she is a symbol of dedication, cultural pride, and youthful brilliance. As a 7th standard student and an accomplished performer in Odissi and Kuchipudi, she has already achieved milestones that many aspire to reach after years of effort.
Her performances on Goa Doordarshan, numerous stage appearances across India, and prestigious awards reflect her unwavering commitment to excellence. Supported by her family, especially her father Shri Mohan Kumar, Treasurer of AIMA Goa, she continues to move forward with confidence and grace.
The future undoubtedly holds greater achievements and recognition for this young classical artist. May her journey continue to inspire, uplift, and celebrate the timeless beauty of Indian classical dance. ✨