Ms. Lavina Vishwanath Pai Bir has achieved a remarkable milestone by securing First Place in Bharatanatyam at the International Indian Art Festival (IIAF) held in Vietnam. Her dedication, discipline, and love for the art form have culminated in this prestigious recognition on an international stage.
A devoted student of classical dance, Lavina’s journey is deeply rooted in years of rigorous training under her Nritya Guru, Jhaanvi Bondre of the Siddhakala Dance Institute. Her performance not only showcased technical precision but also conveyed the spiritual depth and expressive grace that define Bharatanatyam.
This proud accomplishment reflects the collective effort and guidance of her Guru, the unwavering support of her family, and her own artistic commitment. It is a moment of joy and inspiration for the Siddhakala Dance Institute, and a source of immense pride for the Pai Bir and Kenkre families.
Lavina’s victory at IIAF Vietnam stands as a shining example of how Indian classical dance continues to inspire and connect cultures across borders — celebrating the timeless beauty of tradition through the language of art.
In an awe-inspiring display of endurance, passion, and devotion to Indian classical dance, Remona Evette Pereira, a 20-year-old BA student at St Aloysius (Deemed to be University) in Mangaluru, set a new world record by performing Bharatanatyam continuously for 170 hours — a feat officially recognised by the Golden Book of World Records.
Her performance began at 10:00 am on July 21 and concluded at 12:00 noon on July 28, held at the university’s Robert Sequeira Hall. The previous record stood at 127 hours, which Remona surpassed by a stunning 43 hours.
She commenced the marathon with an invocation to Lord Ganesha and concluded it with a ballet and a devotional piece dedicated to Goddess Durga, symbolizing a full-circle spiritual journey.
An Unbelievable Human Feat
Over the course of seven days, Remona followed a meticulously planned routine — taking a 15-minute break every 3 hours, during which she consumed a simple diet of bananas, curd, tender coconut water, and soft-cooked rice. The preparation for this event began months ago, with Remona training daily for 5–6 hours alongside her academic responsibilities.
A dedicated medical team — including doctors and ambulance personnel — was present throughout the event to ensure her health and safety.
Artistic Excellence
Throughout the 170-hour performance, Remona displayed flawless footwork, precise mudras (hand gestures), emotive abhinaya (facial expressions), and rhythmic movement — all hallmarks of Bharatanatyam. She performed to recorded classical music, maintaining the cultural purity of the dance while pushing physical limits.
Community Support & Recognition
Remona was supported by her mentor Dr. Shrividya Muralidhar, the college administration, faculty, and peers. After the performance, she was honored with a certificate of excellence by Manish Vishnoi, India Representative of the Golden Book of World Records. Vice Chancellor Praveen Martis also praised her perseverance and passion.
An Inspiration to All
Already an accomplished dancer with 13 years of training and several records under her belt, Remona has become a symbol of what dedication and cultural pride can achieve. Her performance was not merely a record-setting event — it was a spiritual journey, a disciplined challenge, and a cultural statement.
As her classmates welcomed her back with a Bharatanatyam procession, the auditorium echoed not just with applause, but with national pride.
Remona Evette Pereira’s name is now etched in history — a reminder of the heights young India can reach with tradition in their hearts and resilience in their spirit.
In a proud moment for Goa and India, Spoorti Vaman Shanbhag from Panjim has clinched the Gold Medal at the prestigious 5th Mount Everest International Music & Dance Championships 2025, held recently in Nepal. Competing in the above-19 age category, Spoorti stood out among a diverse field of international talent to bring home top honors in the classical dance category.
A dedicated student of renowned dance guru Varada Bedekar, Spoorti has trained rigorously over the years in classical Indian dance and continues to represent Goa’s vibrant cultural identity on global platforms. Her performance, marked by grace, precision, and deep emotional expression, earned high praise from the judges and audience alike.
The Mount Everest International Music & Dance Championships is an esteemed cultural event that gathers participants from across Asia and beyond, celebrating excellence in classical, contemporary, and folk music and dance. The 2025 edition saw dozens of performers from multiple countries compete in various categories, judged by a panel of acclaimed artists and cultural ambassadors.
A Moment of National Pride
Spoorti’s achievement is not just a personal milestone, but also a symbol of India’s rich cultural heritage and the strength of its young artists. Representing Goa, she carried forward the traditions of Indian classical dance with unmatched passion and skill.
In her post-event statement, Spoorti expressed gratitude to her mentor Varada Bedekar, her family, and supporters, saying,
“Winning gold on such a prestigious stage is a dream come true. I’m proud to represent my state and country, and I dedicate this medal to all the gurus who continue to keep our art forms alive.”
A Bright Future Ahead
With this victory, Spoorti Vaman Shanbhag has firmly established herself as one of Goa’s most promising cultural ambassadors. Her journey continues to inspire countless young performers who aim to take Indian classical art forms to international stages.
Congratulations to Spoorti for her gold medal win and for making Goa shine on the global map of performing arts!
Stay tuned for more updates on young achievers making India proud.
