One of Britain’s leading south Asian choreographers, Dr Chithra Ramakrishnan, has been honoured by her local authority in the highest category.
Chithra, pictured, a mother-of-two from Solihull, has been recognised by Solihull Metropolitan Borough Council for “outstanding achievement and commitment to the community in Solihull”, as part of the Solihull Civic Honours 2018. Accepting her trophy from the Mayor of Solihull, Mrs Flo Nash, an emotional Chithra said: “Inspiring others, connecting people and communities and sharing my Indian heritage is my passion.”
Chithra, a fellow of the Royal Society of Arts, is founder of Shruthi UK, a South Asian arts organisation started in 2005 in Leeds. Her main focus, to encourage, educate and train children and young adults from all faith, race and cultural backgrounds to experience South Indian classical music and dance.
In June 2015, Chithra pioneered the British Carnatic Choir, the UK’s leading Carnatic Choir, the only one of its kind. Her vision is to take Carnatic music to people and communities across the nation and give them an opportunity to learn or experience the music style. Chithra has raised funds for humanitarian causes for charities in the UK and beyond. She aims to be a role model for youngsters in taking pride of their rich cultural tradition and heritage. Next month Chithra will once again lead on the World Music Conference, now in its second year. The event, being hosted by the University of Wolverhampton, will bring together artists from all over the world representing music genres from their respective cultural heritage.
