PIONEER EDGE NEWS SERVICE/Dehradun
Parul Purohit Vats has dedicated her life to elevating Indian performing arts from the margins of perception to the centre of education, wellbeing and meaningful careers. A celebrated Kathak danseuse, choreographer, academician and thought leader, Vats’ journey is one of vision, courage and quiet revolution. At a time when pursuing higher education in performing arts was still a rarity in India, she chose to walk an unconventional path—earning a PhD in the domain and setting a precedent for generations to come. Her academic pursuit was not merely a personal milestone; it was a statement—that the arts deserve intellectual rigor, research, and scholarly recognition.
From being honoured with the Yuva Puraskar by Rajasthan Sangeet Natak Academyearly in her journey to receiving the Dr Sarojini Naidu International Award for Working Women, her accolades trace a powerful arc of consistency, resilience, and unwavering perseverance. Each recognition stands not as an endpoint, but as a reflection of her sustained commitment to her craft and her cause. As the former principal of Shriram Bharatiya Kala Kendra, she steered the organisation through one of the most challenging periods in recent history. During the COVID-19 pandemic, when the world came to a standstill, she ensured that the rhythm of learning never ceased. By pioneering the integration of online teaching-learning practices in a traditionally in-person art form, she not only preserved continuity but also redefined accessibility in performing arts education.
Today, as dean at the School of Performing Arts, World University of Design, she continues to shape the future of arts education with a rare blend of tradition and innovation. But what truly distinguishes her is her role as a Creative Arts Wellbeing Facilitator—a path she has carved with deep intent and empathy.
Her work resonates across boundaries—academic, artistic and social. Whether mentoring scholars, guiding young aspirants, or representing India on international platforms, she continues to inspire a shift in perspective: from seeing performing arts as an “option” to recognising it as an “essential”.
