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Dr. Vidwan S. Keshavakumar was born with the blessings of his parents, Srimathi Anasuyamma and the famous Tamil poet Sri B.A. Selvaarasu, in Shivamogga. His passion for the arts blossomed early under the guidance of his Guru, Vidwan S.P. Shankar. He further honed his Bharatanatyam skills, earning the "Vidwath" title from Vidushi Shrimathi Sri Valli Ambarish, a disciple of Padma Bhushan Dr. Venktalakshmamma, a dancer in the Mysore Asthana.

Additionally, he trained in Karnataka Sangeetha under Sri V. Radha Krishna.

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Dr. Keshavakumar's talent was recognized early when he was awarded the Gold Medal in the Karnataka State level Bharatanatyam competition in 1988. In 1989, he founded the NATANAM BALA NATYA KENDRA (R.) in Shivamogga, Karnataka. This institution, affiliated with Nehru's National Bala Bhavan, New Delhi, Government of India, has been a beacon of cultural education.

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Educational Qualifications

- MA in Kannada
- VIDWAT in Bharatanatyam
- MFA in Bharatanatyam
- Gandarva Alankar in Bharatanatyam

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Cultural Performances

Dr. Keshavakumar has performed extensively not only in Karnataka but across various states of India, including Andhra Pradesh, Gujarat, Rajasthan (Mount Abu at Gyan Sarovar), Uttar Pradesh, New Delhi, Goa, Diu, Madhya Pradesh, Vishakapatnam, Maharashtra, Kolhapur, and Kashi (Varanasi). His international performances include Thailand, Malaysia, Dubai, Nepal, and Singapore.

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Achievements

Dr. Keshavakumar has performed for several distinguished personalities and occasions, including:

- X-Chief Minister S. Bangarappa (1992)
- Honorable X-Prime Minister H.D. Deve Gowda (1996)
- Kannada Rajyothsava in the presence of Kannada and Cultural X-Minister Smt. Rani Satish (1999, New Delhi)
- Honorable X-Prime Minister Sri. Atal Bihari Vajpayee (2000)
- Honorable Congress Chairperson Mrs. Sonia Gandhi (2000)
- X-Minister Madhava Rao Sindhya (2000)
- X-Steel Minister B.K. Tripathi (2002)
- X-Vice President Mr. Bairun Singh Shekhavat (2002)
- Honorable X-Prime Minister of India Manmohan Singh (2008)
- Honorable Andhra Pradesh Minister Ganta Srinivasa Rao (2018)
- Artistic Team at the 17th International Festival in Thailand

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Publications

- **Nritya Ondu Kride (Dance is Sports)** in Kannada

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Awards

- Dr. Pandit Puttaraj Krupa Bhushan Yuva Prashasti National Award (2006)
- Dr. Rajkumar Sadana Ratna State Award (2007)
- Parisara Ratna National Award from Kuvempu University (2009)
- Kala Jeeva Puraskar from School of Theater Arts, Vishakapatnam (2010)
- Natya Kala Nidhi Award (2013)
- Sahrudaya Nrutya Sangataka Award (2015)
- Manjudas State Award (2016)
- Nritya Nipuna State Award from Nritya Kala Parishat, Bangalore (2016)
- Karnataka Kalashree State Award from Karnataka Sangeetha Nritya Academy, Bangalore (2017)
- Lifetime Achievement Award from School of Theater Arts, Vishakapatnam (2018)
- Natya Sudar Oli from Tamil Sangam (2018)
- Honourable Guru at the 17th International Festival in Thailand (2019)
- Kanakashree Chetana Pathanjali Ratna from Pathanjali Yoga and Prakruthi Trust (2019)
- Honored by Honourable Member of Karnataka Legislative Council K.S. Eshwarappa conducted by Sri Gandha (2022)
- Nritya Acharya from Pondicherry C.M. Sri N. Rangasamy (2023)
- Honorary Doctorate from Hindhustan Art and Society, Kolkata (2024)

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Dr. Vidwan S. Keshavakumar's contributions to Bharatanatyam and cultural arts have been profound, earning him numerous accolades and recognition across India and beyond. His dedication to the arts continues to inspire many in the field of classical dance and music.