Rons Bantwal

Nashik, Apr 27: Yashodhara Laxmikant Naikawadi and Aradhya Janardhan Poojary, students of Dhruva Global School, have been conferred with the prestigious national-level 'Nrityakala Bhushan Bala Award 2026' for their outstanding achievements in the field of dance.

The award, presented annually by the Cultural Foundation of India, saw participation from thousands of students across the country. Among them, the two students from Dhruva Global School were selected for their exceptional talent.

Aradhya, an 8th-standard student, is the daughter of Janardhan Poojary, a resident of Neralekatte in Mani, Bantwal, and Ashwitha J Poojary, originally from Savanoor Kaniyoor. She won the hearts of the judges with her masterful performance of 'Odissi,' a complex classical dance style. Her rhythm and expressive dance postures were specifically noted by the jury.

The success of these students is attributed to months of continuous practice, hours of hard work, and the guidance of their dance trainers, Sonali Mohapatra and Gandharva Palai.

The awards were presented during a ceremony held in Nagpur on Sunday, April 26. In the presence of legends from the art world and other dignitaries, the directors of the Cultural Foundation, Kuldeep Kagade and Kunal Anandam, honored the young dancers with certificates and plaques of appreciation.

Following this national recognition, the school's executive chairman Dr Sanjay Malpani, chairman Girish Malpani, principal Archana Ghorpade, and the teaching faculty congratulated the students on their remarkable achievement.