From Buckingham Palace to the BBC, the work of Arunima Kumar and AKDC has been celebrated across the world — for excellence in the arts, visionary leadership, and meaningful social impact.
Explore the awards, honours, and media moments that highlight our journey.
Yound People's Dance Champion Award
First Kuchipudi artiste to receive this honor for King Charles III
National President's Award, India’s highest dance award for young artists
Mercedes Benz India
National President's Award, India’s highest dance award for young artists
Sur Singar Samsad, Mumbai
Society Magazine
House of Lords
Federation of Indian Chambers of Commerce
Arunima Kumar has been commissioned by ministries, embassies, and cultural councils in the UK, India, and Europe — not only as a performer, but also as a choreographer, educator, and cultural strategist.
Empanelled as “ Established Artiste “ and commissioned by ICCR, to perform as cultural ambassador of India to Australia , Fiji , Thailand , Malaysia , Brazil and several other countries
Featured by the British High Commission, Indian Embassy UK, and Foreign & Commonwealth Office
Arunima Kumar has pioneered programs in Tihar Prison, Asia’s largest women’s prison, where dance was used for mental health, self-expression and rehabilitation. Her groundbreaking work led to special legal permission for 25 inmates to perform outside prison — a historic first.
Dance leader for Commonwealth Games Birmingham 2022, one of the largest mass dance projects globally and for TCS London Marathon 2025
Recognised by the RBKC Council, Westminster Council, and Arts Council England
Represented India at European Parliament (Brussels) for cultural diplomacy through dance
AKDC and Guru Arunima Kumar have been featured in global media for their trailblazing work in classical and inclusive dance, including major platforms across television, print, and online.
Beyond formal awards, AKDC’s work is validated through the lives it has touched. From rehabilitating inmates through dance to empowering youth and disabled artists, our true recognition lies in the voices of those we serve.
A storytelling initiative blending traditional Indian narratives with modern performance, created in collaboration with BBC and the British Council to engage diverse audiences globally.
A groundbreaking performance exploring the world of the visually impaired, presented at London’s iconic Royal Festival Hall as part of the Unlimited Festival.
An inclusive dance project that brought together differently-abled and mainstream dancers, pushing the boundaries of accessibility and creativity in performing arts.
A powerful performance inspired by poems written by incarcerated women, shedding light on their voices, struggles, and resilience through the medium of dance.
A performance piece that paid tribute to the spirit of rebellion and resilience, showcased at the British Library to mark 50 years of Bangladesh’s independence.
AKDC have been proud to be associated with