An accomplished Bharatanatyam dancer, choreographer, educator, and visual artist, Lakshmi Sriraman has spent her life preserving and reimagining the traditional arts of South India while enriching Kentucky’s cultural landscape. Through performance, teaching, and community engagement, she has become a bridge between ancient artistic traditions and contemporary expression, embodying the transformative power of art as both a spiritual and social force.
“So enmeshed in Kentucky’s community of art and culture is Lakshmi that she has, multiple times, been a grant recipient from the Kentucky Foundation for Women…I don’t think it’s hyperbole to say that Lakshmi is responsible for making Kentuckians aware of this unique performing art form and making it part of our inclusive culture.” — Tom Musgrave, University of Kentucky Public Relations and Strategic Communications.
“I connected with Mrs. Sriraman regarding a request from one of our teachers for a culture bearer to come into their classroom and engage with students about the music and culture of India. It was amazing to see the students interact with her and respond to her insights by altering their interpretation to be more authentic to the cultural source.” — David Fonda, Ed.S., instructional specialist, Fine Arts Department, Fayette County Public Schools.