Rukmini Devi Arundale, pioneer in the revival of Bharatanatyam and resuscitation of India’s traditional arts and crafts was also a great humanist and educationist. A gifted speaker she raised her voice in many national and international forums advocating India’s supremacy in spirituality and tolerance. Born in a conservative Brahmin family of Tamilnadu, Rukmini Devi broke all conventions when at the tender age of sixteen, she married George Sydney Arundale, an Englishman, who was prominent in the Indian independence movement as lieutenant to Dr. Annie Besant. A great educationist and theosophist Dr. Arundale was instrumental in opening Rukmini’s eyes to other cultures and philosophies of the world. She established Kalakshetra in 1936 for training students in Bharatanatyam and allied arts. Nominated to the Rajya Sabha, Rukmini Devi piloted a bill in Parliament for the prevention of cruelty to animals, and spoke eloquently supporting many causes dear to her heart. These two volumes being brought out on the occasion of the birth centenary of Rukmini Devi is a compilation of her speeches and writings on a wide variety of subjects. The first volume contains speeches on dance, music, culture and education. The second volume consists of her speeches on animal welfare, parliamentary speeches, travel notes on her tours abroad, and lectures on spiritual subjects.
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