The Ananta Press Sahitya Ratna Award is dedicated to recognizing literary works that preserve knowledge, inspire readers, enrich culture, and make a meaningful contribution to society. It is with great pride and pleasure that we announce the official nomination of Nrityaकर्मी, authored by Jyoti Mansukhani, for this prestigious honor.
A remarkable work of non-fiction, Nrityaकर्मी is a heartfelt biographical tribute to the life, philosophy, and artistic legacy of the distinguished Kathak exponent Guru Pt. Maneesha Sathe Ji. Through carefully curated narratives, reflections, memories, photographs, and personal accounts, the book offers readers an intimate and inspiring portrait of a woman whose life has been devoted to the pursuit and preservation of Kathak.
What makes Nrityaकर्मी exceptional is its ability to go beyond the conventional format of a biography. Rather than simply documenting milestones and achievements, the book captures the essence of Guru Maneesha Sathe Ji as an artiste, teacher, mentor, and compassionate human being. It presents a journey shaped by dedication, discipline, determination, and an unwavering commitment to art, values that continue to inspire generations of dancers and art lovers.
The book is thoughtfully structured into three sections, each contributing to a deeper understanding of Guru Maneesha Sathe Ji’s extraordinary life. The first section traces her remarkable journey spanning more than six decades—from her childhood and early training to her emergence as a celebrated performer, respected Guru, and living legend of Kathak. Enhanced with rare photographs, family memories, performance archives, and visual documentation of her artistic evolution, this section serves as an invaluable historical record.
The second section offers a unique literary and cultural treasure. It features thirty-two reflections and personal anecdotes from eminent Gurus, musicians, senior artistes, technicians, and associates who have witnessed Guru Maneesha Sathe Ji’s contribution firsthand. Contributions from respected personalities such as Taalyogi Pt. Suresh Talwalkar Ji, Pt. Rajendra Gangani Ji, Pt. Jai Kishan Maharaj Ji, Shama Bhate Ji, Dr. Sucheta Chapekar Ji, Pt. Nandkishore Kapote Ji, and many others enrich the narrative and provide readers with multiple perspectives on her artistic excellence and human qualities.
The third section brings together the voices of senior disciples representing different decades of Maneesha Nrityalaya. Their heartfelt reflections reveal the profound impact of a Guru whose teachings extend far beyond dance technique, touching lives through wisdom, encouragement, discipline, and inspiration. These personal accounts add emotional depth to the work and beautifully illustrate the enduring strength of the Guru-Shishya tradition.
The Award Committee found Nrityaकर्मी especially deserving of nomination because of its significant contribution to cultural preservation and literary documentation. In an age when traditional arts require thoughtful documentation to remain accessible to future generations, this book serves as an important archival work. It preserves not only the story of an individual but also the history, values, relationships, and traditions that sustain India’s classical arts.
The nomination also recognizes the distinguished accomplishments of author Jyoti Mansukhani, whose own journey reflects a deep commitment to Indian culture and performing arts. A Physics graduate from the University of Mumbai and a Master’s degree holder in Indology from Tilak Maharashtra Vidyapeeth, Pune, she has successfully combined academic excellence with artistic dedication.
As a trained Kathak dancer, cultural organizer, and Founder-Member and Chairperson of Prerana Foundation, Jyoti Mansukhani has spent decades promoting Indian classical dance and supporting young artists. Through competitions, awards, festivals, and educational initiatives, she has created meaningful opportunities for emerging performers while contributing significantly to the preservation of India’s artistic heritage.
Her accomplishments extend beyond literary work. The launch of My Journey with Kathak Maestros, a documentary compilation celebrating distinguished Kathak Gurus, demonstrated her commitment to documenting artistic legacies. Her visionary leadership was further evident in the historic Nrityachakra initiative in 2024, where 1,188 Kathak dancers from across Maharashtra created a record recognized by the Limca Book of Records and the World Records Book of India. Such achievements reflect her lifelong dedication to the promotion and celebration of Indian classical arts.
These experiences uniquely qualify Jyoti Mansukhani to author a work as insightful, authentic, and emotionally resonant as Nrityaकर्मी. The book reflects not only meticulous research and literary craftsmanship but also a genuine reverence for the Guru-Shishya tradition and the transformative power of artistic mentorship.
The Ananta Press Sahitya Ratna Award Committee believes that Nrityaकर्मी stands out for its originality, cultural significance, historical value, and emotional depth. It is a work that educates, inspires, and preserves an important legacy for future generations. Readers from all backgrounds—whether connected to dance, literature, education, or culture—will find in its pages valuable lessons about perseverance, excellence, humility, and lifelong dedication to one’s calling.
We extend our heartfelt congratulations to Jyoti Mansukhani on this well-deserved nomination. Through Nrityaकर्मी, she has created a lasting literary tribute to a legendary artiste while making a meaningful contribution to Indian cultural literature.
We wish her continued success in all her literary and cultural endeavors and commend her outstanding efforts in preserving and celebrating the rich heritage of Indian classical dance. Her work serves as an inspiration to readers, artists, and future generations, and we are honored to recognize Nrityaकर्मी as a distinguished nominee for the Ananta Press Sahitya Ratna Award.
