New Jersey: The inaugural edition of Mitrahs Natyashree of America award, America’s biggest award for the best Indian classical dancer was won by the eminent mohiniyattom dancer Mrs. Sunanda Nair from  Houston. This award is constituted by Mitrahs Arts & Culture LLC., an Indian cultural organization from New Jersey, America. The awardee was selected from a pool of talented classical dancers by the award  committee which included, Rajan Cheeran, president of Mitrahs, Kalakshetra Krishnameera, Chennai,and Marina Mary Antony, Sasthra Dance University, Chennai.


The award was presented to Mrs. Sunanda Nair in the public function held at Verona high school auditorium, New Jersey on September 13th in connection with Mitrahs 2014 mega show. The winner received the memento from President Rajan Cheeran and cash award and a certificate from Dr. Shiraz Yussaf, vice-president of Mitrahs and Shaji Vilson, director of AKAY flavors NJ respectively.

The well-known Malayalam playback singer Franco, Rev. Fr. Sunny Joseph, Guru Beena menon  (Kalashree School of Arts), Rev. Fr. Mathew Kunnath, members of Team Mitrahs, members of Malayalee associations, Verghese John (Asianet USA), media and spoke persons, Lisa Joseph (Naatyamudra school  of dance) and representatives from various socio-cultural organizations were also present at the  function.

After the receipt of award Mrs. Sunanda Nair conveyed her gratitude for considering her for this  prestigious award and also, shared her overwhelming happiness in receiving the same.

Reporter Joychen Puthukulam

Photo Courtesy Margie Strange