The Centre for Indian Classical Dances (CICD), founded by Padma Vibhushan Dr Sonal Mansingh, recently celebrated its fifty years of sustained contribution to India’s cultural landscape. The evening marked several significant milestones, including the unveiling of the Golden Jubilee logo and the screening of a special audio-visual presentation chronicling CICD’s distinguished journey since its inception on April 30, 1977. The evening also highlighted the institution of the ‘Sonal Mansingh Award’, a prestigious honour to be conferred annually on two dancers in recognition of their outstanding contribution to Indian classical dance. The evening also saw the announcement of a special Mentorship Programme under the aegis of Dr Sonal Mansingh, aimed at nurturing two young dancers and guiding them in their artistic journey. Elated Dr Sonal Mansingh said, “CICD was conceived as a space for training in dance, allied arts and for a journey of life through art. It is inclusive and in harmony with changing times, yet deeply rooted in Bharatiya ethos. Over these fifty years, CICD has sought to nurture artists who are sensitive individuals, connected with traditions yet aware of the world they inhabit. Indian classical dances are inspired by time honoured philosophical concepts, lore and legends from Veda, Upanishads, Puranas. Our responsibility now is to ensure that this knowledge is meaningfully transmitted to future generations. The Golden Jubilee is a celebration of what is achieved as well as firm commitment to continue on the Golden Path.”The event in New Delhi was attended by eminent personalities icluding Shri Vijender Gupta, Hon’ble Speaker, Delhi Legislative Assembly, as Chief Guest, and Dr Sudhanshu Trivedi, Hon’ble Member of Parliament, Rajya Sabha, as Guest of Honour. The Golden Jubilee year will unfold as a series of curated engagements across the country, including performances, dialogues, and initiatives that seek to deepen conversations around Indian classical dance, its pedagogy, and its continuing relevance in a rapidly changing cultural landscape.Established in 1977 in New Delhi, CICD, also known as Shri Kamakhya Kalapeeth, emerged at a time when the national capital had limited institutions offering a holistic engagement with Indian classical dance. Over the decades, CICD has evolved into a significant national cultural institution that has nurtured generations of dancers while shaping a deeper understanding of Indian aesthetics and philosophy.