Kuchipudi star Arunima Kumar honoured with British Empire Medal

UK-based Indian classical dancer Arunima Kumar on Thursday became the first Kuchipudi artist to be conferred the Honorary British Empire Medal (BEM) by King Charles III for her contributions to Indian classical dance and community service. The award, part of the 2025 royal honours for foreign nationals announced by the UK Foreign, Commonwealth and Development Office (FCDO), recognises hands-on service to local and international communities.

Kumar, founder of the Arunima Kumar Dance Company (AKDC), has performed extensively across the globe, including at Buckingham Palace, Queen Elizabeth II’s Jubilee celebrations, and Diwali festivities at 10 Downing Street in London. Over her career, she has delivered more than 3,000 performances in over 50 countries, training hundreds of students aged four to 75 across the UK, India, and Poland.

“It is an incredible honour to receive the King’s award, and I am grateful for this international recognition and to all those who believe in my work,” Kumar said. “This recognition is not just personal but a celebration of Indian classical dance on the world stage. Kuchipudi has been my lifelong companion, a medium of storytelling, healing, and unity.”

Kumar trained under eminent gurus Padma Bhushan Smt Swapnasundari and Padma Shri Guru Jayarama Rao, and has been recognised for presenting Kuchipudi with authenticity, grace, and innovation worldwide. Her company AKDC has also pioneered initiatives that use dance as a tool for empowerment, healing, and inclusion, reaching schools, universities, care homes, hospitals, prisons including Delhi’s Tihar Jail and organisations such as Parkinson’s UK.

The Honorary BEM highlights Kumar’s role in promoting cross-cultural understanding between India and the UK, reflecting the country’s commitment to diversity and recognition of diaspora contributions. Through her work, Kumar has strengthened India–UK cultural relations, using dance as a bridge for dialogue, social cohesion, and artistic exchange.

Her contributions have earned her several awards, including the Ustad Bismillah Khan Yuva Puraskaar, Global Icon Award, and the NRI Institute Award for Arts, presented at the Houses of Parliament in London.

Kumar is currently leading “Samarpanam – A Dance Offering”, a cultural initiative in collaboration with British Council India, featuring young British and Polish students. The performance is scheduled for October 24, 2025, at the India Habitat Centre in New Delhi.

This week, King Charles III also conferred an Honorary Knighthood on John Kerry, former US Special Presidential Envoy for Climate, for his contributions to tackling climate change.Among Indians, the British Empire Medal (BEM), Order of the British Empire (OBE), and other honours have been awarded to individuals such as Arunima Kumar, a UK-based Kuchipudi dancer, and Sanjib Bhattacharjee, a community campaigner in London, recognising their contributions to culture, education, and community service.

Through her artistic and social initiatives, Arunima Kumar continues to promote Indian classical dance globally, build inclusive communities, and strengthen cultural diplomacy between India and the UK.