Rukmini Devi Arundale
Rukmini Devi Arundale, 1904, dancer and theosophist. Born in Madurai (Tamil Nadu), she was married to Dr. Arundale, the well known theosophist. She is renowned as an exponent of Bharat Natyam school of Indian dancing, for which she won the President’s award, and an award from Sangeet Natak Akademi. She was also associated with prevention of cruelty to animals, and education of children, and was a nominated member of the Rajya Sabha for two terms. She was awarded Padma Bhushan in 1957.