Smt. Ruth Parijata Varghese

🪔 About

Smt. Ruth Parijata Varghese is the artistic director of Kalapadma Dance Academy, Chicago, where she is recognized as a versatile classical dancer, innovative dance teacher, and choreographer. Her early training in Indian classical dance was under her father, Guru Shri Shankar Hombal. She pursued advanced training in Bharatanatyam at the internationally acclaimed Kalakshetra, Chennai. Additionally, Ruth Varghese is proficient in the Odissi style of classical dancing, having performed her arangetram under the tutelage of the esteemed Guru Padmashree Kelucharanji Mahapatra of Cuttack, Orissa. While she now primarily focuses on Bharatanatyam, she incorporates her Odissi training into her choreographies. Ruth Varghese holds a Master's degree in Fine Arts (Painting) and Bharatanatyam classical dance. She has given numerous performances across India and the United States. She has successfully choreographed and staged two dance ballets, “Krishna Leela” and “Ritu Sandesh.” Kalapadma Dance Academy was originally inaugurated in Bhopal, India, in February 1960, by the late Dr. Shankardayal Sharma (former President of India), having been established by Ruth's parents with the objective of promoting classical Indian dances and training children and youth. Ruth Varghese now leads the Chicago branch of the academy, which established its roots around 1994, while her sister manages the Bhopal branch. She is married to Santosh Varghese, who serves as the President of the Academy and has been instrumental in its growth in both Bhopal and the Chicagoland area. The couple has two grown children: daughter Anjali Varghese, who teaches, performs, and choreographs for the academy, and son Alvin Varghese, who assists with the annual shows. Awards & Honours: Singar-Mani, Three gold medals, Honor of Distinction (2002), Distinguish Cultural Ambassador Award (2004), Cultural Jewel Award (2008), Award at Gujarat Din celebration (2011).