London: Celebrated Indian artist Arunima Kumar, based in the UK, became the first Kuchipudi dancer to be awarded the Honorary British Empire Medal (BEM) by King Charles III. The Honorary BEM, a royal accolade given for “hands-on” service to local communities, honours Kumar’s efforts in promoting Indian classical dance on international stages and fostering cross-cultural dialogue through the arts.
Kumar has performed at prestigious events including Buckingham Palace, Queen Elizabeth II’s Jubilee celebrations, and Diwali festivities at 10 Downing Street.
“It’s an incredible honor to receive the King’s honour and I’m grateful for this international recognition and to all those who believe in my work,” Kumar said, according to PTI. She added, “For me, 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.”
The Honorary BEM, announced as part of the 2025 royal honors for foreign nationals by the UK Foreign, Commonwealth and Development Office (FCDO), adds to Kumar’s list of awards, including the Ustad Bismillah Khan Yuva Puraskaar, the Global Icon Award, and the NRI Institute Award for Arts at the Houses of Parliament.
10-year-old British Indian beats ex-world chess champ
Ten-year-old British Indian wunderkind Bodhana Sivanandan has now become one of the youngest players ever to beat a former world champion. Sivanandan beat Ukrainian former title holder Grandmaster Mariya Muzychuk at the European Club Cup in Rhodes, Greece. Born in London in 2015 to parents from Tiruchirappalli, Tamil Nadu, Bodhana became a Woman FIDE Master in 2024. In July 2025, she achieved the youngest-ever Woman Grandmaster (WGM) norm, at age 10. With this, she surpassed the previous record held by Hou Yifan, who was 11 in 2005. |
