A renowned Bharatanatyam guru, Kanaka has dedicated her life to promoting Indian classical dance and empowering women through her NGO, SUNAINA. She established her dance institute, Nrityabharti, and launched the "Indradhanush" art festival. Her contributions have earned her numerous accolades, including the National Swami Vivekananda Award.

Guru Kanaka Sudhakar, a revered Bharatanatyam exponent, has been a guiding light in the field of Indian classical dance since 1987.

Based in Delhi, she has dedicated her life to performing and teaching Bharatanatyam. As a disciple of the legendary dancing couple, the Dhananjayans, and having learned from other eminent gurus like the Late Guru Sadasivan, Kanaka has established a unique identity in the world of Indian classical dance. Her academic pursuits include a B. Pharm and an M.A. in English Literature, reflecting her diverse interests and intellectual prowess.

Reminiscing about her childhood, Kanaka shares that her father's job in the Ministry of External Affairs allowed her to experience a rich multicultural upbringing. Born in Ethiopia, she traveled to various countries, including South Africa and Bangladesh, and cities like Los Angeles and New Mexico. Kanaka's passion for dance was ignited in Yugoslavia, where she learned Russian ballet as a compulsory subject. She was disheartened to discover that despite India's rich array of classical dance forms, they were not part of the compulsory school curriculum, unlike Yugoslavia's singular focus on ballet.

Kanaka's first profound encounter with Indian culture and Bharatanatyam was in Ceylon, where her father took her to watch a performance by Kanaka Srinivasan. Mesmerized by the dance, she resolved to learn Bharatanatyam herself. Upon returning to India, she joined the Dhananjayans to master this classical art form.

In 1994, driven by a desire to empower women, Kanaka founded SUNAINA – Society for the Upliftment of National Arts of India. Her medical background prompted her to explore the effects of dance on the human body and mind. With her father-in-law, a nature cure specialist, she conducted pioneering research and published a book titled "Therapeutic and Beneficial Effects of Indian Classical Dances." This work uniquely combines her artistic passion with scientific inquiry, showcasing the holistic benefits of dance.

Kanaka also established Nrityabharti, her own dance institute. The exceptional performances of her students led to the institute's affiliation with Akhil Bhartiya Gandharva Mahavidyalaya in 2001. Today, Nrityabharti offers dance education up to the Master's level, nurturing a new generation of Bharatanatyam dancers.

In her relentless pursuit to promote Indian arts, Kanaka initiated the "Indradhanush" art festival, a ten-day cultural extravaganza that has become a celebrated event in Delhi. Additionally, she was involved with the “Song and Drama Division” of the Ministry of Information and Broadcasting for ten years, organizing over 300 programs focused on social reforms and causes. These events were held in slums, schools, colleges, and public places, making classical dance accessible to the masses.

One of Kanaka's notable achievements is her unique dance production based on the 12 Jyotirlingas. This innovative piece, which presents the Jyotirlingas through various classical dance forms like Odissi, Kathak, and Bharatanatyam, is set to be performed nationwide.

Kanaka views her mistakes as opportunities to refine and elevate her presentations, demonstrating her commitment to continuous improvement.

Kanaka's contributions have been widely recognized. She received the National Swami Vivekananda Award from the Ramakrishna Mission in 2011, among numerous other accolades. Through her NGO SUNAINA, in collaboration with the Ministry of Social Empowerment and Justice, she organized the "Bal Kala Utsav," allowing over 400 specially-abled children to compete with their peers, showcasing her dedication to inclusivity and empowerment.

Kanaka attributes much of her success to her gurus, the Dhananjayans, who taught her the virtues of patience and compassion. She also draws inspiration from her mother. Her life mantra, "If we want peace in life, we must respect time. We must learn to manage time properly," reflects her disciplined and balanced approach to life.

Kanaka finds solace in nature, drawing mental peace from the beauty of mountains, waterfalls, and rivers. In her leisure time, she enjoys watching selectively curated movies. She advises people to find joy in both small and significant endeavors, emphasizing that happiness is the key to a peaceful and healthy life.

Guru Kanaka Sudhakar's life is a harmonious blend of dedication to Bharatanatyam, cultural promotion, and lifelong learning. From her multicultural upbringing to becoming a celebrated Bharatanatyam guru and cultural advocate, her journey is inspiring. She continues to enrich the world of Indian classical dance, nurturing future artists and highlighting the therapeutic benefits of dance.