Meet Radha Subramanian

We’re excited to introduce you to the always interesting and insightful Radha Subramanian. We hope you’ll enjoy our conversation with Radha below.

Radha, we’re thrilled to have you sharing your thoughts and lessons with our community. So, for folks who are at a stage in their life or career where they are trying to be more resilient, can you share where you get your resilience from?
We all face various challenges that tests our resilience at every stage. I believe, for me, the strength to face any situation that life offers, comes from a combination of factors. First, I have always had a strong sense of purpose and a desire to overcome obstacles. Second, I have been raised  in a spiritually rich environment that has ingrained deep faith in the power  of Grace. When faced with adversity, I ride on the wings of Grace – of God and of the Guru Mandala. Third, the inner fire to spread our tradition fuels my resilience and keeps me going. Finally, the unwavering support from my family, Mohanji and my loved ones provides me with the strength to persevere.

Thanks for sharing that. So, before we get any further into our conversation, can you tell our readers a bit about yourself and what you’re working on?
I am a Data scientist by profession. Dance is my passion, my calling! I am  the Artistic director of the Himalayan School of Traditional Dance (HSTD  in short) that was established, under the aegis of world renowned humanitarian and spiritual leader Mohanji, when the world was going through the throes of COVID. It has been 3 years since its inception and  when we started it, I had no idea that we would be where we are today – with students from across the world learning this beautiful traditional art forms of India and performing it so beautifully on stages across the globe. This is an example of the power of Grace that I mentioned above, working through every adversity. Our academy specialises in training students in the classical arts of Bharatanatyam and Kathak. Art, by its inherent nature, transcends the limitations of the physical realm and delves into the realms of the subtle. Through our teachings, we aim to facilitate this profound connection with  the subtle aspects of existence, breaking through the external barriers and  enabling students to explore the depths of their artistic expression. We are  constantly finding new ways and programs to engage the passionate seekers around the world. You can learn more about our offerings and programs by visiting our Facebook page.

For me, dance is a way to connect to my true self and soak in the divine.  Through teaching this art form, I have the opportunity to give back to society by collaborating with like-minded individuals. Through Dance, I am able to impart the timeless wisdom that is intricately woven into this art. I perceive it as a transformative journey, particularly for children and  energetic youngsters, who can benefit from the physical discipline and mental relaxation that Bharatanatyam offers. In today’s lifestyle, many young people face physical and mental challenges, making the practice of Bharatanatyam an invaluable tool to nurture their creative potential and  achieve holistic well-being.

The Himalayan School of Traditional Dance, founded by the spiritual Master and selfless leader, Mohanji, provides a platform for individuals to embark on this inner journey

There is so much advice out there about all the different skills and qualities folks need to develop in order to succeed in today’s highly competitive environment and often it can feel overwhelming. So, if we had to break it down to just the three that matter most, which three skills or qualities would you focus on?
From a general life skills standpoint, I would say

1. Build Depth in your chosen field – This is key in any aspect of life. It  is important to really go deep and build expertise. Pair whatever your  passion is with a strong sense of purpose.

2. Be a constant learner – Look out for different viewpoints and  assimilate so one can work towards personal mastery and form their  own opinion and pass it forward

3. Be flexible and adaptable – This is easier said than done but it is a mind-set that allows one to navigate the challenges and curve balls that are constant in life. Everyone is different and unique and what  works for one may not for another. Doing 1 and 2 above will certainly help one along the way but this requires constant training of the mind  to see each event in perspective of the larger scheme and be open to the possibilities.

From a dancer’s growth stand point of skills needed – There are different stages that one goes through as one pursues the Artform. At the beginner level, one focuses on achieving stability and speed to execute the movements in total synchronisation with the solfa syllables. With constant  practice increasing our physical stamina, one can move to the next level of performing longer duration portrayals. With time, several possibilities slowly open up for the artist to explore and manifest their inner creativity in myriad flavours unique to the artist. Thus dance becomes an extension of the dancer and it gracefully reflects their very being. At this stage, the artist effortlessly transcends the challenges at the physical level to experience  the joy of being one with the character that they portray. It thus becomes a celebration of the “Inner self” to experience that very essence in the infinite variety. Over the years, I have gone through all these stages of growth as an artiste and it has helped me immensely in finding myself. I am grateful for the opportunity to pass on these learnings to the future generations across the world, not just India, through the HSTD platform.

Awesome, really appreciate you opening up with us today and before we close maybe you can share a book recommendation with us. Has there been a book that’s been impactful in your growth and development?
Thanks to Guru Light, I had the incredible opportunity to embark on the ultimate pilgrimage to Kailash. I experienced the profound depth of silence in sacred centers like Vasishta Guha and while performing the Parikrama at Kailash. Similarly, in the presence of a spiritual Master or an Avatar, attaining a state of thoughtlessness becomes more accessible and  attainable.

However, can anything evoke an even stronger effect while being  immersed in the bustling marketplace, engaging in our daily actions?

The answer is a resounding yes! For me, that answer lay within the pages of “Atmananda – Mast the Ecstatic.” It is an extraordinary book that defies adequate description when it comes to the power it holds in connecting with the consciousness of an Avadhootha.

“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

The profound words and teachings encapsulated within this book truly ignite a transformative experience, bridging the gap between the mundane and the extraordinary. It serves as a gateway to connect with the immortal essence within us, revealing the boundless nature of our being.

I would recommend this book for anyone seeking to find themselves. It can open up your world in ways you may not have imagined.

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Image Credits
Tea Klincov, Vishnu Prasad, Bimal Nair, Biljana Vozarević, Bandana Sharma

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