An Inspired Chat with Radha Subramanian of Bengaluru

Radha Subramanian shared their story and experiences with us recently and you can find our conversation below.

Good morning Radha, it’s such a great way to kick off the day – I think our readers will love hearing your stories, experiences and about how you think about life and work. Let’s jump right in? What do the first 90 minutes of your day look like?
As a passionate dancer, the first 90 minutes of my day are dedicated to preparing myself for the perfect day ahead. Each morning, I wake up with a beautiful routine that I look forward to – a grounding rhythm that sets the tone for everything that follows.

It begins with a bit of walking to warm up the body, followed by gentle yoga, mainly Surya Namaskars, and then the practice of adavus, the foundational steps in Bharatanatyam. For me, practising adavus go far beyond physical exercise; it is a true sadhana. The rhythmic repetition, the focus, and the discipline not only help build stamina and strength but also center me deeply. It’s a sacred space where body, mind, and spirit align – preparing me to step into the day with clarity and energy. This flows into Consciousness Kriya and a short pooja at my home shrine – a moment of stillness and inner connection.

My days are often spent balancing two intense and fulfilling worlds – leading challenging projects as a Director of Data Science on one side, and choreographing or teaching classical dance on the other. This morning sadhana helps prepare me for both – centering my focus, sharpening my awareness, and allowing me to give my best to whatever I take on.

Can you briefly introduce yourself and share what makes you or your brand unique?
Dance is my passion – my calling!

I serve as the Artistic Director of the Himalayan School of Traditional Dance (HSTD), an institution founded under the aegis of world-renowned humanitarian and spiritual leader, Mohanji, during the transformative period of the COVID pandemic. What began as a seed of intention during a time of global uncertainty has now blossomed into a vibrant platform where students from across the world learn and perform the traditional art forms of India with grace and devotion. As we complete five years since its inception, I look back in awe – this journey is nothing short of a testament to the power of grace working through adversity.

For me, dance is more than an art – it is a sacred path to connect with my true self and to immerse in the divine. Teaching this ancient tradition is a way for me to give back to society, by collaborating with like-minded souls and sharing the timeless wisdom embedded in these art forms.

Dance, especially Bharatanatyam, holds the power to transform. It brings discipline to the body and serenity to the mind – qualities much needed in today’s fast-paced world. I’ve seen how children and young adults, who often struggle with physical and emotional challenges, blossom through this practice. Dance becomes not just a performance but a pathway to holistic well-being and creative self-expression.

The Himalayan School of Traditional Dance, founded by the selfless and visionary Mohanji, offers a sacred space for this inner journey. At HSTD, we offer structured training in the classical Indian dance forms of Bharatanatyam and Kathak. We believe that art transcends the physical realm – it is a doorway to the subtle, the silent, the divine. Our teaching methodology is designed to help students break past external barriers and explore the deeper layers of artistic and spiritual expression.

Thanks for sharing that. Would love to go back in time and hear about how your past might have impacted who you are today. Who saw you clearly before you could see yourself?
I can’t point to just one specific person who brought out my talent – it has been a journey shaped by many. From the very beginning and even today, my parents have been a pillar of unwavering support. Later, it was my Guru, Mohanji, who instilled in me the courage to stand tall and show the world what one can achieve when there is no fear. Above all, God’s grace has held me through every single moment. I’m deeply grateful for every encounter, every experience – each has played a part in shaping who I am today.

Was there ever a time you almost gave up?
Throughout each of our journeys, we encounter challenges that test our resilience, often in ways we never anticipate. When asked what defines my ability to bounce back, I believe it is not just one trait, but a combination of deeply rooted elements that have helped me navigate through obstacles.

At the heart of my resilience is a strong sense of purpose – a driving force that keeps me moving forward, no matter what stands in the way. This inner clarity fuels an unwavering determination to rise, adapt, and achieve what I set out to do.

Having been nurtured in a spiritually rich environment, I’ve developed an unshakable faith in the power of Grace. In moments of adversity, I lean into that Grace – from God and the Guru Mandala – allowing it to guide, support, and uplift me. It’s this silent, powerful current that carries me through life’s most testing times.

The unquenchable inner fire to preserve and share the sacred tradition of Sanatana Dharma continues to be a source of strength and inspiration. It reminds me that my path is not just personal – it is also about carrying forward the timeless wisdom of our heritage.

Above all, the unwavering support of my family, my beloved Guru Mohanji, and my close circle of well-wishers has been a foundational pillar. Their faith in me, especially during moments of doubt, has given me the courage to keep going.

In truth, my resilience has been shaped by purpose, guided by faith, ignited by passion, and sustained by love. Together, they form the core of my ability to stand tall, no matter what life presents.

So a lot of these questions go deep, but if you are open to it, we’ve got a few more questions that we’d love to get your take on. What important truth do very few people agree with you on?
Practicing vegetarianism is fundamental to true well-being. I firmly believe that any form of violence, once set in motion, only grows – eventually eroding our core values. The act of torturing and killing animals to satisfy human greed is not just inhumane; it creates a ripple effect of violence and disharmony that disturbs the natural balance and ultimately impacts our own health and peace.

Every being on this Earth is born with the right to live freely. We are not entitled to take their lives for our convenience or cravings. It is time we rise above this selfishness and embrace a life rooted in kindness and compassion toward all living beings.

If we continue to ignore this, the Earth will respond – and nature’s retaliation can be far more powerful than we imagine. The time to act is now. The time to live with awareness, responsibility, and reverence for all life is now.

Okay, we’ve made it essentially to the end. One last question before you go. When do you feel most at peace?
Thanks to Gurulight, I had the incredible blessing of embarking on the ultimate pilgrimage to Kailash with Mohanji. In sacred spaces like Vasishta Guha and during the Parikrama around Kailash, I experienced a profound depth of silence that touched the very core of my being. In such powerfully charged places – and especially in the presence of a spiritual Master or an Avatar – the state of thoughtlessness becomes not just possible, but natural.

Yet, can anything evoke a similarly powerful transformation while we are in the midst of the bustling marketplace of daily life – caught up in action, responsibility, and noise? For me, the answer is a resounding yes. That grace came through the extraordinary book “Mast the Ecstatic.”

This book defies definition. Iit is a living transmission. It connects the reader directly with the consciousness of an Avadhootha. Its pages resonate with the presence of the timeless and formless.

“Atmananda is Chaitanya. I am the essence.
I have no permanent name or form. I have no birth or death, birthdays or death anniversaries.
I am immortal.” – Mohanji

These words are not just teachings – they are doorways. This book has the power to bridge the gap between the mundane and the mystical, guiding us into the vast, immortal essence within ourselves.

Inspired by this deep inner stirring, I was moved to become a co-author of “Magical Moments with Mohanji” – a humble offering that chronicles our journey into the silent, sacred realms within. It is a celebration of those still moments where grace, presence, and the Self meet – beyond words, beyond time.

Contact Info:

Image Credits
MHouse Media
HSTD Media Team

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