Dr. Rajani Palakkal

🪔 About

Dr. Rajani Palakkal, originally from Pookkad, Calicut, Kerala, India, embarked on her journey in Indian classical dance at the age of four. She received initial training in Bharatanatyam and Kathakali under Guru Chemancheri Kunhiraman Nair, making her debut performance at the age of eight. Her classical dance education expanded to include Mohiniyattam under Kalamandalam Sarojam and Kuchipudi under Guru Rema Madhu. Concurrently, Dr. Palakkal pursued a medical career, earning a Bachelor of Homeopathic Medicine and Surgery from Calicut University in 1990. She worked as a Research Assistant at the Government Homeopathic Medical College, Calicut, and later as a Medical Practitioner and Chief Medical Officer at Karuna Homeopathic Medical Centre in Calicut. After relocating to the United Kingdom, she established the Drisyabharathi School of Dance in Birmingham, where she currently imparts knowledge to over a hundred students. She previously led another dance institution named Anjali Nruthamanpam. Dr. Palakkal also holds an MSc in Health Studies from Wolverhampton University, UK. She is recognized for her contributions to choreography, including a Mohiniyattam padam performed by her students for her guru's 80th birthday celebration. Awards & Honours: Sreesankaracharya Puraskaram (for Mohiniyattam) (2007), Recognition by Oriental Fine Arts Academy of London (OFAAL) for sending maximum students for examinations.