Ms. Hema Rajagopalan (At Risk Stories)

Description

Hema Rajagopalan, 70, is an award-winning classical Indian dancer who became famous at age 6 for her talent. The interview includes discussion of her approach to dance as a physical form of moral education and storytelling using Vedic scripture. She discusses coming from a distinguished family, in particular, her grandfather who was the first principal information officer of India. She earned her master’s degree in nutrition before moving to the US with her husband, Parthasarathy. Their home in Chicago became the breeding ground for the first Hindu temple in the area. Hema discusses how she began appreciating Indian culture in reaction to hearing her fellow immigrants disparage their motherland. She was one of the founding members of the Indo-American Center as well. Other topics discussed include: the difference between Bollywood and classical Indian art, homesickness and discrimination, the political circles that her family participated in, and her quest for authenticity.