Indian-born Kuchipudi dancer Arunima Kumar awarded British Empire Medal

Arunima Kumar, the Indian-born, UK-based Kuchipudi dancer and cultural ambassador, has become the first artist in her field to receive the Honorary British Empire Medal (BEM) from King Charles III, recognising her outstanding contributions to Indian classical dance and community engagement.

The Honorary BEM, awarded for dedicated “hands-on” service to local communities, acknowledges Kumar’s tireless efforts in promoting Kuchipudi on global stages and fostering cross-cultural understanding through the arts.

Kumar, who has performed at Buckingham Palace, Queen Elizabeth II’s Jubilee celebrations, and Diwali festivities at 10 Downing Street, described the recognition as “an incredible honour” and a celebration of Indian classical dance worldwide. “Kuchipudi has been my lifelong companion, a medium of storytelling, healing, and unity,” she said.

Through her institution, Arunima Kumar Dance Company (AKDC), she has presented over 3,000 performances in more than 50 countries and trained hundreds of students across the UK, India, and Poland, ranging in age from four to 75. AKDC is also noted for its transformative initiatives in schools, universities, care homes, hospitals, prisons, including Delhi’s Tihar Jail, and organisations such as Parkinson’s UK.

Kumar, who trained under eminent gurus Padma Bhushan Swapnasundari and Padma Shri Jayarama Rao, has been widely recognised for bringing authenticity, grace, and innovation to Kuchipudi globally. Past accolades include the Ustad Bismillah Khan Yuva Puraskaar, the Global Icon Award, and the NRI Institute Award for Arts at the UK Houses of Parliament.

Her next major project, Samarpanam - A Dance Offering, presented by AKDC in collaboration with the British Council India, will showcase a cultural exchange with young British and Polish students at the India Habitat Centre in New Delhi on October 24.

With this prestigious royal honour, Arunima Kumar not only cements her status as a global ambassador of Indian classical dance but also showcases the power of the arts to bridge cultures, inspire communities, and celebrate India’s rich heritage on the world stage.