Excelsior Correspondent
NEW DELHI, Mar 12: Kathak dancer, Bharti Kaul, originally from Jammu & Kashmir and currently residing in Faridabad, was honoured with the Rashtriya Nritya Ratna Puraskar 2026, an award instituted in the name of Padma Vibhushan Pandit Birju Maharaj, in recognition of her dedication and contribution to the Indian classical dance form Kathak.
The honour was conferred during the International Women’s Day Celebration and National Excellence Awards 2026, organised by Ambedkar Global Foundation, New Delhi, in association with Zenith Team India, at YMCA Hall, Connaught Place, here.
The programme was graced by several eminent dignitaries including Rama Devi, former Speaker of Lok Sabha and Member of Parliament, Ramdas Athawale, Union Minister of State for Social Justice & Empowerment, Government of India; Meenakshi Lekhi, former Minister of State for External Affairs and Culture, Mamta Kumari, Member, National Commission for Women, Dr. Urvashi Mittal, former Association Secretary of the Association of Inner Wheel Clubs in India, Surekha Lamture, former Member, SC Commission, Government of India and Dr. Neelam Gulati.
Several achievers from different parts of the country were honoured in various categories for their contributions in diverse fields. Bharti Kaul received the award in the Kathak category for her efforts in promoting Indian classical dance and preserving cultural heritage.
The programme was supported by Dr. Manish Shankar Rao Gawai, National Youth Awardee, Government of India, along with organiser Mithil Kalambe and the Zenith Team India. Bharti Kaul, who is also Mrs. India Classic Queen – 1st Runner-Up, continues to actively promote classical arts, cultural heritage, and women empowerment through her work.
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