Interview of Shruti Gupta, Limca Book of Records Holder
Interview Conducted By Dr.Jaswant Singh Puri, Recipient Of Doctor Of Letters(Honoris Causa),Patiala
Q1.Which is your native place?
Answer- Solan (Himachal Pradesh)
Q2.When and where were you born?
Answer- I was born on August 15, 1987 in Solan (Himachal Pradesh).
Q3.Please tell us something about your Parental and In-laws,Family History.
Answer- My father is from Firozpur & mother from Solan. My in-laws belong to Jamshedpur.
Q4.Where did you have your schooling?
Answer- I did my schooling from Govt. Girl High School, Solan.
Q5.In which you received a university education?
Answer- I obtained my first master degree from Himachal Pradesh University in Indian Instrumental Music & second master degree from Punjabi University in Indian Classical Dance.
Q6.Which awards &honors you received till date?
By now I have been conferred with many awards. I have been honored by Prime Minister of India Shri Narendra Modi, Himachal Pradesh Governor Shri Acharya Devvrat, Chief Minister of Himachal Pradesh Shri Jai Ram Thakur, Ms. Maneka Sanjay Gandhi (Minister for Women & Child Development), Shri Krishna Chaudhary (Director General-ITBP), Shri Vijay Kumar Dev (Ex Advisor to UT Administrator), Shri Anurag Agarwal (Home Secretary to The Chandigarh Administration), Colonel Dhani Ram Shandil( Ex. Social Justice & Empowerment Minister , Himachal Pradesh) & many Inspector General & Deputy Inspector General of Indo-Tibetan Boarder Force(ITBP). Apart from all these I have been also awarded by ‘Punjab Art Council’ , ‘Punjab Lalit Kala Akademi’ ‘North Zone Cultural Centre(NZCC)’ ‘Rotary International’ & Pandit Vishwa Mohan Bhatt ( Grammy Award Winner ).
Q7.Which were the places you organized/attended/participated in cultural programmes?
Answer- I have given more than four hundred performances throughout India by now.
Q8.Which dignitaries had invited and appreciated your Cultural programs?
Answer- The Prime Minister of India, Governor of Himachal Pradesh & Punjab, , Ms. Maneka Sanjay Gandhi (Minister for Women & child development) personally invited me and appreciated my work in the field of ‘Art & Culture’.
Q9.Why you are dedicating your shows to The Indian Security Forces?
Answer- From my childhood I always wanted to do something for the Indian Armed Forces. There is a very great respect for them because they are always ready to sacrifice their lives for our country. I always wanted to do something directly or indirectly for the army. That is why; I dedicated my entire recital at Himalaya to the Indian Armed Forces.
Q10.What made Limca Book of Records enter your name and how many times?
Answer- My world record is for the kathak dance at the highest altitude of the world and also for the dance recital at the maximum no. of Himalayan Passes. I have three world records in my name. These are ‘Limca Book of Records’ & ‘Best of India Record’.
Q11.Please share your memories at Baralacha Pass near Lahaul and Spiti district in the Indian state of Himachal Pradesh?
Answer- I performed kathak at an altitude of 5,242m(17,198 feet) for seven minutes in sub-zero temperature at Baralacha Pass in Lahaul & Spiti district of Himachal Pradesh. I broke all the previous records. This is my first world record. On October 18, 2015 , I performed kathak for seven minutes at 17,198 feet (Baralacha Pass-Zanskar Range in Western Trans Himalaya). I always wanted to do something different. Generally, kathak is performed on a legend or in the praise of God. At this Pass I did kathak on the theme of nature. Nature is the greatest gift of God but humans don’t value it. Before performing at Baralacha Pass, I had to concentrate both on mental and physical aspect. I worked under my Guru Ji for six months to prepare for the performance. I learned to control my breath while performance, acclimatize to perform in sub-zero temperature and various other aspects to perform at high altitudes. And the final result was beautiful and satisfying.
Q12.Who coined the name SHRUTI for you?
Answer- My parents coined my name Shruti.
Q13. What is the meaning of ,’’SHRUTI”.?
Answer-Shruti , is a Sanskrit word, found in the Vedic texts of Hinduism where it means lyrics and “what is heard” in general. It is also an important concept in Indian music, where it means the smallest interval of pitch that the human ear can detect and a singer or musical instrument can produce.
Q14. What is the contribution of your Parents,In-Laws and Husband in your professional growth?
Q15.How do you like Zanskar range?
Answer- The Zansker Range is very beautiful and very similar to heaven. This Himalaya Range abounds with snow in every season whether it is winter or summer.
Q16.What are your aspirants for Kathak aspirants all over the world?
Q17.Why did you like majestic Himalayas?
Answer-Since my childhood I have been profoundly attracted to the great Himalaya. I grew up in Solan and often travelled to Kullu -Manali to meet my family members who are spread all over Himachal Pradesh. As I would spend my holidays there, I would never miss an opportunity to dance in the hills, and sing aloud with my cousins. It is during those holidays and carefree days as a kid that I nursed a dream.I always wanted to reach the highest peak in the world. As a little kid I had no idea which one of them was the highest, but I would tell my cousins that I wanted to scale the highest peak. Moreover Himalaya is very beautiful and home to a lot of flora & fauna. You can learn many things from Himalaya. There is no limit of its greatness.
Q18.What are the main aims & objectives of Global Cultural Programme instituted by you?
Answer-With the help of “Global Cultural Programme” I want to set new standards in the field of art & culture by popularizing the ‘Indian Art & Culture’ throughout the world. I want to tell more and more people about the beauty of India’s classical dances.I want to perform for every country of the world and encourage the youth to love and appreciate classical dance.Again
Q19.Please share your experiences at Khardungla Pass with The readers.
Answer- I made my second world record at an altitude of 18,380 feet at khardungla Pass (Ladakh,J&K) in minus twenty four degree Celsius temperature for twenty minutes on 27th October, 2016. I performed here to raise the voice against terrorism and also raised the spirit of Indian Armed Forces by doing this deed at such a challenging height and temperature without thinking about the risk of my life. I did it barefoot and without bearing any warm clothes properly in kathak costume. It was a very challenging project because of the paucity of oxygen level & extreme minus temperature. This terrain is very inhospitable. It is not so easy to perform there for anyone but I practiced a lot for this. This is a result of many years rigorous practice.
Q20. Please tell something about the theme of your Cultural shows titled,’’Ek Muhim Atankwad Ke Khilaaf”, (A Campaign Against Terrorism).
Answer- A year later in 2016, I had reached Khardungla Pass, which is at the height of 18, 380 feet from the sea level. I wanted to repeat my dance performance and chose the theme- Ek Muhim AtankwaadKe Khilaaf( A campaign Against Terrorism). It was a logical theme since India had just announced its surgical strike against the Pakistan and there was rising mood against terrorism across the country. I joined hand with the Indo-Tibetan Boarder Police (ITBP).
Q21.What is your relation with the Erstwhile Princely State of Patiala?
Answer- There is a very great relation with the erstwhile princely state of Patiala. I did my Second master degree in Indian Classical Dance from Punjabi University Patiala. I spent more than three years in Patiala. Patiala has been very lucky for me as I learnt many things from this city.
Q22.Please share your memories during your stay at Royal City of Patiala in Punjab.
Answer- I have been performing kathak dance from my childhood but received my professional degree in dance in Patiala only from Punjabi University. This city taught me many things about life. I struggled here a lot but finally I got many achievements here.
Q23.What is your relationship with the Indo –Tibetan Border Police Force?
Answer- I gave many performances in association with Indo- Tibetan Boarder Force (ITBP). Even I made my second world record at Khardungla in minus twenty four degree Celsius in association with ITBP. I have been associated with ITBP for many years.
Q24.Kindly throw light regarding your meeting with the Hon’ble Indian Prime Minister,Shri Narendar Modi Jiat Prime Minister’s House in New Delhi,India.
Answer- My news about my recital at Khardungla had surfaced in many leading newspaper of India. This world record was dedicated to raise the voice against terrorism. Moreover, I am the only lady in the whole world who performed at the one of the highest snow cladded peak of Western Trans Himalaya at minus twenty degree temperature for twenty minute. My kathak recital at Khardungla was a very unique way to raise my voice against terrorism and promoting harmony and peace. I have raised my voice against terrorism and also raised the spirit of Indian Armed Forces by doing this deed at such a challenging height and temperature without thinking about the risk of my life. Prime Minister Shri Narendra Modi became very happy to know this and invited me to the Prime Minister Office (PMO) at New Delhi. He appreciated my work a lot.
Q25.Where you are presently working?
Answer- This time I am working with Army Public School Dagshai as a dance teacher.
Q26.Please highlight the theme of your cultural campaign,known as, ’Save Nature”.
Answer- The main theme of this project was to create awareness and inspire the general people to save Mother Nature. My only aim is to make people aware and convey the message to stop degrading the environment. The depletion of glacier, ground water and climate change are very common these days. We are degrading the environment very badly with human activities. We should stop doing all these. Otherwise we all people will have to suffer a lot. We should sustainably use our natural resources not madly. We will have to think of it and take proper actions to preserve it before it is too late.
Q27.What were your experiences at Rohtang Pass, Baralacha Pass,Nakeela Pass, Lachungla Pass and Tanglangla Pass?
In the month of June, 2018 I danced at the five Himalayan Passes between Manali & Leh. These Passes are at Rohtang Pass, Baralacha Pass, Nakeela Pass, Lachungla Pass and Tanglangla Pass. I started my journey on June 15,2018 and finished on June 16, 2018. This is my third world record. First day I danced on Rohtang Pass only and the next day I performed on the rest of the four passes. On the second day it was very difficult because Leh is very far away from Koksar. It was very difficult to cover this distance in a day. These passes are sky touching peaks. Earlier I did it in the year 2015 and 2016 at Baralacha and Khardungla Pass respectively. Apart from the minus temperature and other problems, the oxygen level was very low that created a lot of problems for dancing at the high altitude of the Himalaya Passes.
Q28.What are your views about Pandit Vishwa Mohan Bhatt?
Answer- Creator of the MOHAN VEENA and the winner of the GRAMMY AWARD, Vishwa Mohan has mesmerized the world with his pristine pure, delicate yet fiery music. It is due to Vishwa’s maiden mega effort that he rechristened guitar as MOHAN VEENA, his genius creation and has established it at the top most level in the mainstream of Indian Classical Music scenario, thereby proving the essence of his name VISHWA (meaning the world) and MOHAN (meaning charmer) and indeed , a world charmer he is.He is my inspiration. Recently I have made another world record in the fields of art & culture by dancing to the music of Pandit Vishwa Mohan Bhatt at all the Himalayan passes between Manali & Leh. Pandit Vishwa Mohan Bhatt Honored me two times (in 2016 & 2018) for my extraordinary achievements in the field of ‘Art & Culture’.
Q29.Where did you like holidaying?
Answer- I like holidaying either in the Himalaya or near by the sea. I am very fond of nature. I prefer holidaying in the countryside.
Q30.What are your plans regarding future foreign tours?
Answer- I am planning to campaign in every country to promote our art & culture. Moreover I am planning to dance in seven countries on the Arctic Circle – Canada, Finland, Greenland, Norway, Sweden, Russia and Alaska (USA). The main theme of Arctic Circle would be ‘Save Mother Nature & Earth’.
Q31.Which foreign countries you had visited till date?
Q32.Which foreign organizations you are having association?
Answer- I have been associated with many foreign organizations that are located in Canada, Australia, America, United Kingdom & many European Countries.
Q33.What are your plans to reach the highest Peak in the world?
Answer-My ultimate Goal is Mount Everest. But this project involves a lot of funds. I am looking forward to get sponsorship for it. If some agency funds me then surely I will do it. But till I reach the Everest, I want to do something each year.
Q34.Please tell the names and designations of your family members who are connected to art and culture?
Answer- No one in my family except my husband is connected to any profession that has anything to do with art and culture. Growing up, I had to chart my own course.
Q35.Who inspired you the most in life?
Answer- My Guru Pt. Vishwa Mohan Bhatt, Pt. Rajendra Gangani and my husband inspired me the most in my life.
Q36.How did you developed love for the Indian Classical Dance Form?
Answer- As I completed my schooling from Solan Government Girls School and my college education from Degree College, Solan, my love for the classical dance form continued and took me to my guru, Rajendra Gangani in Delhi. As I learnt the Kathak over an extended period, I earned a postgraduate degree in Indian instrumental music as well as Indian classical dance.
Q37.Please tell something about Shri Rajendra Gangani Ji?
Answer- Kathak Maestro Pt. Rajendra Gangani, the disciple and son of of Pt. Kundanlal Gangani, is one of the leading practitioners of the Jaipur Gharana style of Kathak. For his contribution to the field of Kathak, Pt. Rajendra Gangani received the Sangeet Natak Akademi Award in 2003 from Indian president A. P. J. Abdul Kalam, the highest award given for performing arts in India. He sticks to the pure tradition of his gharana, he is an indefatigable experimenter, having choreographed several group compositions and dance dramas to standing ovations and rave reviews. Pt. Rajendra stands out for his style; making use of his excellent blend of manly grace and delicacy, he depicts the devotional aspects that characterizes the Jaipur gharana.
Q38.How do you feel dancing with the Ghungroo trapped to the feet?
Answer- A ghungroo is one of many small metallic bells strung together to form ghungroos, a musical anklet tied to the feet of classical Indian dancers. Without it classical dance is not possible. Dancing with the Ghungroo strapped to the feet gives me a great feeling of satisfaction and takes me to the different world.
Q39.Please tell something about graceful hand &foot movements with the facial expressions in the Kathak performance?
Answer- Kathak is one of the eight classical dance forms in India. The dance form encourages deft foot movement and with the ghungroo strapped to the feet of the dancer, creates a magical accompaniment to the music to which the dancer is performing. The dancers tell stories with their graceful hand and foot movements while the facial expressions add to them.
Q40.How you were married to Shri Arun Kumar Ji in 2010?
Answer-Our marriage is basically a arrange marriage and this marriage had been fixed by our parents & our family members.
Q41.How many Children do you possess?
Answer- I have no child by now.
Q42.How do feel as Indian?
Answer- I feel very proud of being Indian. India is a very great country in whole the world and has a very great cultural heritage. In the olden times also Indian was the world Guru in the field of knowledge. This time also it holds a great position in the field of technology especially in space science & information technology. It is also very rich in art & culture. I am very lucky, I am born here.
Q43.What is your special message for Indians stationed all over the globe?
Answer- Indians have gone places and brought great glory to the country they were born in from science to arts, business to literature, who have given us several more reasons to be proud of. Moreover we all should bevery proud to be an Indian because India is the largest democracy in the world.We have a lot of achievements in every field like space Science, missile technology, medical science, information technology, mathematics, art & culture etc. It has a civilization that is more than 5000 years old and boasts of multiple cultural origins. India is a country where people respect elders. People of India live in peace and harmony. India is the only country where there are people of different languages, religions and race, but all of them live together in harmony.
