Indian classical dancer Sasikala Penumarthi was honored with the Georgia Governor’s Award for Arts and Humanities, recognizing her dec-adeslong contribution to the state’s cultural and civic life. A renowned Kuchipudi performer,choreographer, and educator, she has spent more than 30 years sharing the South Indian classical dance tradition across Georgia and beyond. As Executive Director of the Academy of Kuchipudi Dance in Atlanta and a dance instructor at Emory University, Penumarthi has trained countless students, staged full-scale produ-ctions, and nriched Georgia’s arts landscape. Her interdisciplinary approach at Emory, blending dance, religion, and performance studies, continues to inspire young artists. She is widely respected for her community engagement, offering master classes and workshops throug-hout the Southeast.