Honours & Awards | Bharata Kalanjali

HONOURS / AWARDS

Lifetime Achievement Award

The Dhananjayans receiving the Lifetime Achievement Award from Dr. Vyjayanthimala Bali on 22nd October 2024, at Narada Gana Sabha. Hyderabad based HariHara Fine Arts instituted this awad in the name of Rukmini Devi, Founder, Kalakshetra.

Natya Selvam Award

The Bharatanatyam duo Dhananjayan and Shanta Dhananjayan received the NAATYA SELVAM award on June 6, 2022 from Muthamizh Peravai Arakattalai (founded by Kalaignar Karunanidhi, erstwhile Chief Minister of Tamilnadu) at the inauguration of its 41st annual music festival in Chennai.

Kalidas Samman

KALIDAS SAMMAN was conferred by the Cultural Ministry of Madhya Pradesh on February 20, 2022 on Shanta and VP Dhananjayan (Chennai) for 2020-2021 and Sunaina Hazarilal (Mumbai) for 2019-2020 during the Khajuraho Dance Festival. It carries a purse of Rs. 2 lakhs.

Rasikapriya Kalaratna

As part of Rasikapriya's 3 days art festival in Chennai, the Dhananjayans' 'Maadhavageetham' dance drama was presented on 16th February 2020. Rasikapriya honoured The Dhananjayans with their annual award titled RASIKAPRIYA KALARATNA.

Naatyakalaa Shiromani

Siva Foundation, Chennai, founded by M.V.N. Murthy honoured The Dhananjayans with NAATYAKALAA SHIROMANI. Dancer/actor Hema Malini gave away the award in the presence of Dr. Nalli Kuppuswami Chetty on 1st March 2020 at Narada Gana Sabha.

Sangeetha Kala Vibhushan

Mumbai's Shanmukhananda Sangeetha Sabha is one of the oldest and most prestigious cultural organizations in the country. Commemorating the golden jubilee year in 2002 they set up a national eminence award in Fine Arts. The award for 2020 was bestowed upon the Bharatanatyam couple The Dhananjayans with the title of SANGEETHA KALA VIBHUSHAN on 5th December 2020 on the inauguration of the Sabha's annual Art Festival. The award carries a citation, traditional Tanjavur bronze lamp, award memento and a purse for Rs.2.5 lakhs.

Balasaraswathi Memorial Award

V.P. Dhananjayan and Shanta Dhananjayan received the BALASARASWATHI MEMORIAL AWARD for Bharatanatyam, along with Vyjayanthimala Bali and Prof. C.V. Chandrasekhar. The award carries a cash prize of rupees one lakh and citation.

Lifetime Achievement Award 2019

Shanta Dhananjayan was honoured with a LIFETIME ACHIEVEMENT AWARD by Raindrops Cultural Association, on March 23, 2019 at Rani Seethai Hall, Chennai.

Nalanda Bharata Muni Samman

The Dhananjayans received the NALANDA BHARATA MUNI SAMMAN from Dr. Kanak Rele's Nalanda Dance Research Centre, Mumbai, for 2018 on January 13, 2019 during NDRC'S Annual Natya Festival at Kalaangan, Ravindra Natya Mandir, Mumbai. The award carries a cash prize of Rs. 50,000 each.

Bharatmuni Samman

The Dhananjayans were honoured with BHARATMUNI SAMMAN by Puspita Mishra’s Kalingayana Touryatrikam at Rabindra Mandap, Bhubaneswar on December 16, 2019.

Natana Kulapathi Puraskar

Dubai based Kalalaya and Kerala based Naadam jointly honoured The Dhananjayans with NATANA KULAPATHI PURASKAR on 17th November 2018 during the Nrithyakalakeli festival at the New World Private School Auditorium, Dubai.

Kala Pradarshini Ghantasala Puraskar

On October 5, 2018 Kala Pradarshini conferred the KALA PRADARSHINI GHANTASALA PURASKAR on Gurus CV Chandrasekhar, Leela Samson, Dr.Vyjayanthimala Bali, Saroja Vaidyanathan, The Dhananjayans and Sobha Naidu at Narada Gana Sabha, Chennai.

Shresta Kala Prachaarak Award

The Dhananjayans were honoured with the SHRESTA KALA PRACHAARAK award by Ganesha Natyalaya of Guru Saroja Vaidyanathan on April 9, 2018 at Delhi Tamil Sangam, New Delhi. Other awardees are gurus Yamini Krishnamurthy, B. Bhanumathi, Radha Sridhar and journalist BR Vikram Kumar.

Lifetime Achievement Award 2018

Shanta Dhananjayan & V.P.Dhananjayan received the LIFETIME ACHIEVEMENT AWARD from Rotary Club-Mitra on 30th January 2018.

Nishagandhi Puraskar

The Dhananjayans received the Kerala goverment's NISHAGANDHI PURASKAR on 20th January 2018 at Thiruvananthapuram. It includes a citation, Bharatamuni plaque and a cash prize of Rs.1.5 lakhs.

Stree Ratna Award

International Women's day award (2020), STREE RATNA Award conferred on by Mumbai based Chembur Fine Arts Society to Smt. Shanta Dhananjayan. This is the 3rd Stree Ratna award conferred on Shanta Dhananjayan.

Nritya Kalanidhi 2018

Madras Music academy, the most prestigious cultural organisation in the country has conferred on her the top most title and honour 'NRITYA KALANIDHI (2018) to Smt. Shanta Dhananjayan.

Balasaraswathi Award 2018

The prestigious Balasaraswathi awards are bestowed to Bharatanatyam doyens for expertise in Bharatanatyam every year. This award was conferred to The Dhananjayans by the Tamizhnaadu Government, the top most honour for an artiste in the state.

Bank Day Celebrations

Smt & Shri Dhananjayan, Accomplished Dancers, and our customer are being felicitated by Shri Vinay M. Tonse, CGM, Shri Jonna Raghava, GM - NW 2 and Smt Shirley Thomas, GM - NW - 1 during Bank Day Celebrations on 01/07/2018

Saroja Vaidyanathan's Ganesha Naatyaalaya's 44th Anniversary

The Dhananjayans were honoured with SHRESHTA KALA PRACHAARAK AWARD at Delhi Tamizh Sangam, Sector V, RK Puram, New Delhi on April 9, 2018.

Nartaka award 2014

2nd Nov: Natyanjali Trust, Chennai.

Kalasaarathi Award 2014

27th Sept: Saarathi Cultural Center, Chennai.

Life Time Achievement Award

13th Sept: Vishakapattnam (AP) Vyshakhi honor

VP Dhananjayan and Shantha Dhananjayan were conferred with the "GURU SRESHTA AWARD", in recognition of their contribution to Indian classical dance, by the Salangai Academy of Indian Classical Arts in Trichy on June 14, 2009.

Rathnaakara Award

Cleveland Thyagaraja Aaraadhana committee honored senior artistes with their annual "Rathnaakara" awards. The Dhannajayans received Nritya Rathnaakara on April 11, 2009. They were presented the traditional Veera Sringhala (bracelets) by Cleveland Sundaram & Toronto Venkatraman. The other awardees were M.S.Gopalakrishnan (violin maestro), Parasala Ponnamma (veteran Sangeeta Aachaaryaa).

PADMA BHUSHAN

Shanta & Dhananjayan decorated with the honor PADMA BHUSHAN

The Dhananjayans received the Padma Bhushan Award from President Pratibha Patil at the civil investiture ceremony at Rashtrapati Bhavan in New Delhi on March 31, 2009 for development, preservation and propagation of the best of Kalakshetra tradition of Bharatanatyam through their dance academy Bharatakalanjali.

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KERALEEYA NRITYA NATYA PURASKARAM

The annual State Kathakali award, the Pallavoor Appu Marar Award and the Keraleeya Nritya Natya Puraskaram for the years 2019 and 2020 instituted by the State Government were awarded on August 31, 2021at the KT Muhammed Memorial Theatre at the Kerala Sangeeta Nataka Akademi. V.P Dhananjayan and Shanta Dhananjayan were honored with the KERALEEYA NRITYA NATYA PURASKARAM for 2019. The award consists of a plaque and a purse of Rs 1.5 lakhs.

Stree Ratna Award Mumbai FAS 2022

The Fine Arts Society, celebrating its diamond jubilee, is a dynamic organization, always striving to keep the art scene vibrant. One of the initiatives has been the institution of the FAS STREE RATNA Award to honour women achievers for their dedication and contribution in various domains. Shanta Dhananjayan is one of the awardees. This year, the award ceremony was held on 12th March 2022 at the Sivaswamy Auditorium, Chembur, Mumbai.

Diva of the Decade award 2022

DIVA OF THE DECADE is an award ceremony that honors women from 5 decades who have broken boundaries and have set an example in the fields of cinema, television, music, sports, literature & performing arts, healthcare & education and entrepreneurship. Bharath Medical College & Hospital presented the award to SHANTA DHANANJAYAN for her lifetime achievement in the performing arts, on April 10, 2022 at Leela Palace, Chennai.

MAYURA NRITYA SAAGARAM

The Mayura Naatyaanjali organisation honoured Dhananjayan with the title 'MAYURA NRITYA SAAGARAM' at the Mayura Naatyaanjali festival (Sivaratri festival) under the auspices of Saptaswarangal Arakattalai - Mayiladuthurai (Mayavaram) held in 'Mayuranathar Aalayam (big temple) on 10th February 2018.

Payyanur Arts & Charitable Trust

Payyanur Arts & Charitable Trust honoured V.P.Dhananjayan on February 4, 2018

Life Time Achievement Award

Shanta Dhananjayan & VP Dhananjayan received the life time achievement award from Rotary Club-Mitra on 30th January 2018. Hon. Minister for Culture Dr. Pandia Rajan and Hon Justice R.Subramanian gave away the awards.
TITLES : V.P.DHANANJAYAN - ' NATANA KALAI IMAYAM'.
SHANTA DHANANJAYAN - 'NAATYA KALASAGARAM'

Kalaimamani Award

Kalaimamani Award to Dhananjayan from Eyal Isai Nataka Mandram, Tamilnadu Govt. -1990.

Haridas Sammelan Sursingar Sansad Mumbai "Nrityavillas" Award -1989
Nritya Choodamani Award for Dhananjayan from Sri Krishna Gana Sabha - Dec 17, 1983
Scroll of Honour Arts and Crafts Magazine, New Delhi awarded by then Vice President Hon. Sri. K R Narayanan
Stree Ratna by Bharata Vidya Bhavan, Chennai and Dr.Padma Subrahmanyam’s Nrityodaya, Chennai, to Shanta for dance

Rukminidevi Memorial Award

Mysore Sri Lalithakala Academy Foundation Trust (Center for performing arts) honoured The Dhananjayans with the prestigious "Rukminidevi Memorial Award" on February 28, 2009.

Padma Saadhana Award

Padma Sarangapani Ccultural Academy honoured The Dhananjayans with the "Padma Saadhana Award" on January 8, 2009.

Award of Excellence

The Dhananjayans received the Award of Excellence - Life time achievement award from Kartik Fine Arts on December 27, 2008

For the Sake of Honor

The Dhananjayans were bestowed with Rotary award of 'For the Sake of Honor' towards their immense contribution in the field of performing arts by Rotary Club of Madras Central on February 27, 2017, 6.30pm at Hotel Hyatt, Teynampet, Chennai.

DEAN of the Performing Arts Section

Naatyaachaarya V.P.Dhananjayan has been appointed as the DEAN of the Performing Arts Section of the age old ANNAMALAI UNIVERSITY, Chidambaram, Tamizhnaadu.

Naatyaachaaryaa Smt. Shanta Dhananjayan is appointed as Hon head of the Faculty.

With these prestigious appointments, they hope to revamp and bring more credibility and enhance the standard of the Annamalai University Performing arts Degree course.

Dhananjayan appointed dean at Annamalai varsity
- The Hindu, 24 Nov 2016

Lifetime Achievement Award

Trinity Arts Festival of India presented the Award for Lifetime Achievement to VP Dhananjayan and Shanta Dhananjayan on Sunday, the 25th December 2016, 6.01pm.
At: Kumararani Meena Muthiah College of Arts & Science, 4, Crescent Avenue Road, (off 4th. Main Road), Gandhi Nagar, Chennai-600020

NAADA-BRAHMAM

The Dhananjayans were awarded the NAADA-BRAHMAM title & honour by one of the prestigious Cultural Organisations in Dakshin Bhaarat NAARADA GAANA SABHA , Chennai. This award carries a purse of Rs.50,000/- (fifty thousand) and gold medals. The award function coincided with the Art festival inaugural day on 14th December 2012 at Gnanananda Auditorium, Alwarpet.

MUTHIRAI PATHITHA VITHAGAR

The Dhananjayans were honoured by KARUR NAATYAANAJALI festival committee (Tamizhnaadu) with the title of "MUTHIRAI PATHITHA VITHAGAR" (Great Achiever) and cash price of Rs.25,000/- (twenty five thousand) and gold medal & plaque of honour at the award function held on 6th January 2013.

Abhinaya Kesari

Dhananjayan received the K.T.Mohammad Puraskar “Abhinaya Kesari” at the Palakkad, Malayala Bhaasha Paadasaala (Payyanur) award function on March 15, 2012.

NATANA PRAKAASAM

On August 30, 2008, monthly music journal Naadhabrahmam honored the Dhananjayans with the "NATANA PRAKAASAM" title at the Music Academy, Chennai, for their contribution to art for over 60 years and to mark 40 years of their dance institution Bharatakalaanjali. This year also marks the 70th birthday of guru V P Dhananjayan. A special edition of Naadhabrahmam was released with focus on the Dhananjayans. A one hour film on the Dhananjayans titled Kalaa Saadhana directed by Radhika Shurajit and Churchill Pandian was screened.

KALA-VIPANCHEE

"KALA-VIPANCHEE", title and honour was awarded to Shanta & Dhananjayan by Dr. Balamuralikrishna through the VIPANCHEE Trust founded by Smt.Saraswathi Sundaresan. The award function was held on 31st December 07 at R.K.Swamy Hall, Mylapore.

Kalanidhi award

CENTER FOR MUSIC & DANCE (CMD) ESTD 1984, Thiruvanathapuram announced their 2007 "Kalanidhi award" and honour to The Dhananjayans (Dhananjayan & Shanta) - the Bharatanaatyam couple of Bhaarat.

ALVA’S VIRASAT AWARD 2016

VP.DHANANJAYAN received the ALVA’S EDUCATIONAL FOUNDATION’S VIRASAT AWARD-2016 on 13th January 2017 at Moodbidri Dakshina Karnataka.

The award comprising a citation and a cash award of Rupees One lakh was given on 13th January 2017 in the presence of an enlightened audience consisting of thousands of art lovers.

The other stalwarts who received this prestigious honour earlier are celebrities like Tabla Maestro Zakir Hussain, Pt. Hariprasad Chowrasya (flute), Dr. Sonal Mansingh (Odissi Nritya), Dr. Padma Subrahmaniam (Bharatanritya), Dr.K.J.Yesudas(Carnatic & playback singer) and Dr. S.P.Balasubahmniam (playback singer).

Ideal Couple

TVG honouring the "Ideal couple" on the occasion of Dr. Balamuralikrishna's 86th birthday celebration at Kamarajar Arangam, Chennai on 6th July 2016

NAATYA-KALAANIDHI

ABHAI (Association of Bharatanaatyam Artisrtes of India) conferred the prestigious award and title 'NAATYA-KALAANIDHI" to the Dhananjayans on 1st May 2016 at 6.00 p.m at Sri Krishna Gana Sabha. Chief guest on this occasion was former Governor of Bengal Shri. M.K. Narayanan.

MEGA TV "Women Achievers' award 2012"

Guru Shanta Dhananjayan received the MEGA TV "Women Achievers' award 2012" on 8th March, 2012. (International Womens day).

The Mudhra Award of Excellence

The Mudhra Award of Excellence (instituted in memory of the late Gnanamba and P. Obul Reddy) was presented to V.P. Dhananjayan and Shanta Dhananjayan on December 9, 2011 during the inauguration of Mudhra’s 16th Fine Arts Festival.

D.Litt Honorary Doctorate Degree

Chennai based VELS UNIVERSITY conferred a D.Litt Honorary Doctorate Degree on V.P.Dhananjayan on 14th December 2011. Former President Dr.Abdul Kalam was the chief guest on the second convocation of the University when Dhananjayan received the honour.

ARTISTES OF THE YEAR

Lions club of South Madras and Rasa (A charitable organization) jointly honoured Gurus Sri VP Dhananjayan and Shanta Dhananjayan with the honor "ARTISTES OF THE YEAR". The award and felicitation function was held on 4th January 07 (Thursday), 6.30 pm at Bapalal Bhavan, 9, 1st Seaward Ave, Valmiki Nagar, Thiruvanmiyur, Chennai-41.

VISWAKALA BHARATI

BHARAT KALACHAR has honored Shanta & Dhananjayan - the Bharatanaatyam dance couple - with the award and title "VISWAKALA BHARATI" on the inaugural day of their annual December Art festival, 2006. The award carried a silver medal and Rs.10000/- (Ten thousand) cash.

Honoured by the International Dance Alliance (IDA)

The Dhananjayans were honoured by the International Dance Alliance (IDA) on the occasion of their 20th anniversary celebrations (Aug 2006). At a function organised at the Narada Gana Sabha, they were presented with mementoes and shawls by Leela Sekar, chairperson, IDA, and R. Krishnaswami, sabha secretary. The US Council General Mr. David Hopper presented the award. S. Sarada, former head of Dance Department, Kalakshetra (sitting) greeting Shantha Dhananjayan.

KALAMANDIR

THE DHANANJAYANS were given the award & honour GURUSRESHTA by the Peravoor KALAMANDIR College of fine Arts (Kerala) during their annual Nataraj Art Festival 2015 on 29th April.

ART OF LOVING

Commemorating Valentine’s day Culturama Magazine - Global Adjustments India honored the Dhananjayans with the ART OF LOVING award on Feb 13, 2015 at Chennai.

Gold Medal & Citation

Lalitha Kala Vedika (BVS Mani Foundation) honored the Dhananjayans with a gold medal & citation in memory of BVSS Mani on 27 Aug 2014.

Life time achievement Award

At Mudhra 2013, Kumararani Meena Muthiah College of Arts & Science, Chettinad Kalaikoodam honoured Legends with Life time achievement Award - Rs.10,000 cash prize and a plaque of honour were given to the Dhananjayans on 12th October 2013 at the college premises in Adyar, presided by Dr. Meena Muthiah (Founder & Trustee of the College).

KALA-RATNA

The Dhananjayans were honored with the prestigious honour & award "KALA-RATNA" by the Organizing Committee of Swami Haridas Sangeet Sammelan - Brindavan (Mathura) UP on 15th September 2013 on the inaugural day of the festival. The award scroll inscribed in Hindi reads:

AKHILA BHAARATEEYA SHRI SWAMI HARIDAS SANGEET SAMMELAN, BRINDAVAN- MATHURA UP
SHASTRIYA SANGEET KALAA RATNA SAMMAAN -YEAR 2013
AWARDED TO : SHRI. V.P. & SHANTA DHANANJAYAN (Bharatanaatyam)
PRESIDENT: AACHAARYA ATUL KRISHNA GOSWAMI.

NISHAGANDHI PURASKAR

The Dhananjayans received the Kerala goverment's NISHAGANDHI PURASKAR on 20th January 2018 at Thiruvananthapuram. It included a citation, Bharatamuni plaque and a cash prize of Rs.1.5 lakhs.

Pride of India

The Dhananjayans were honoured with the "Pride of India" from Provoke (Wella Professionals), South India's most prestigious awards on 20th December, 2017. The award citation reads "This is to certify that Mr & Mrs.Dhananjayan have been bestowed with the title of 'PRIDE OF INDIA" BY THE JURY APPOINTED BY PROVOKE LIFESTYLE MAGAZINE. Awarded as on 20-12-2017 "
A most colorful standard ceremony was attended by a large crowd from different walks of life.

STREE RATNA AWARD 2017

Korattur Malayalee Sowhrudavedi, a socio-cultural organization operating from Korattur presented the STREE RATNA AWARD 2017 to Shantha Dhananjayan during the Women’s Day Celebration on 12th March 2017 at the Bhaktavatsalam school premises.

GURUVANDANAM

T.Unnikrishnan, founder of Kaavya Art Center, Dubai celebrated its 3rd anniversary with great enthusiasm and honoured his Gurus, The Dhananjayans with a 3 hour long program titled GURUVANDANAM.A plaque of honour was presented to The Dhananjayans as mark of Guruvandanam by Sri.Venu Parameshwar, Chief Financial Officer, Dunia Finance LLC and Unnikrishnan on 6th February 2015.at the Wellington International school auditorium, Dubai..

NAATYA PADMAM

Brahma Gaana Sabha honoured The Dhananjayans with their annual Award & Title NAATYA PADMAM during the annual Art festival function at Sivagami Pethachi Auditorium, Mylapore, Chennai on 1st January 2016.

Natyakala Tapaswi

Jayalakshmi Alwa’s Sridevi Nrithya Kendra in association with Ministry of Culture, New Delhi / Kannada & Culture, Bangalore presented Nrityotsava 2015 and honoured The Dhananjayans with the award "Natyakala Tapaswi".
At: SDM College auditorium, Mangalore on October 25, 2015, 6.05pm

BHARATAKALA SRESHTA

SARADHI, Cultural Organisation & Art institute, Chennai bestowed the title & honour BHARATAKALA SRESHTA at Bharateeya Vidya Bhavan auditorium, Mylapore on 8th November, 6.00pm . They received the award from Sri.M.K.Narayan, Former Governor of West Bengal followed by Nritya Darashan, performance. Also seen in the photos - Kala Sasikumar, the founder of Saradhi.

Honoured for Contribution

On 1st May 2016 at 7.00 pm the Dhananjayans were honoured at the Kapaaleeswarar Koil Vasanth Utsav organized by Saraswathi Education Cultural & Charitable Trust. Former Governor of Bengal Shri. Gopalakrishna Gandhi was the Chief guest and he conferred the award and honour to The Dhananjayans.

The Dhananjayans were honoured

Leda Shantala's school on the 22nd of April 2016 at Athens

Arsha Kala Bhushanam

Poojyasri Swami Omkarananda (Sri Chidhbhavananda Ashram, Theni) honoured The Dhananjayans with the 'Arsha Kala Bhushanam' award on February 28, 2016.

SANGEETA KALA ACHAARYA

Bharatanatyam guru V P Dhananjayan was honored by the Madras Music Academy at their 78th annual conference and concerts, with the title of SANGEETA KALA ACHAARYA - 4th January 2005.

SWATI-RATNA

The Dhananjayans received the prestigious SWATI-RATNA title and award instituted by the Malayalee Club of Madras, for their outstanding contributions to the propagation of the compositions of Maharaja Swati Thirunal. Eminent persons who have been decorated earlier with this coveted award are stalwarts like Semmangudi Srinivasa Iyer, K.S. Narayanaswamy (Veena), K.J.Yesudas, K.R. Kumaraswamy Iyer and P.Leela. - April 2004.

'SAMPARADAAYA SIROMANI' AWARDS GIVEN BY DR. G.V RAO

82nd birth day commemorative honour to artistes of Eminence. Presided by Dr. Pappu Venugopal Rao. Awarded to Veteran Music composer Director M.S. Viswanathan, Veteran Actors (Stage & Films) V.S.Raghavan, A.R.Srinivasan, and Bharatanaatyam artistes Shanta & Dhananjayan.

Life Time Achievement award

The Dhananjayans were honoured with Life Time Achievement award by the Kerala Circle Rotary International on 12th Feb 2011 at Kozhikkode during the Rotary International Convention.

The G.D.Birla Award

The G.D.Birla Award instituted by the Birla Academy of Arts & Culture, were presented to the Dhananjayans in New Delhi on Monday the 21st June 210.

'SAMPARADAAYA SIROMANI' AWARDS GIVEN BY DR. G.V RAO

Life Time Achievement award

The Dhananjayans were honoured with Life Time Achievement award by the Kerala Circle Rotary International on 12th Feb 2011 at Kozhikkode during the Rotary International Convention.

The G.D.Birla Award

The G.D.Birla Award instituted by the Birla Academy of Arts & Culture, were presented to the Dhananjayans in New Delhi on Monday the 21st June 210.

'SAMPARADAAYA SIROMANI' AWARDS GIVEN BY DR. G.V RAO

Delhi based Sree Shanmukhananda Sangeettha Sabha honoured The Dhananjayans with the title and honour "NAATYA RATNA" on 26th February 2010 on the inauguration of their 60th year Art festival.

Life Time Achievement award

The Dhananjayans received Life time achievement Award from Women Exclusive Magazine on 21Jan 2010.

Naatyaachaarya Shanta and V.P.Dhananjayan were honoured and felicitated for their immense contribution to the field of performing arts and in particular Bharatanaatyam by Narada Gana Sabha's dance wing NAATYARANGA. The 13th Naatya Ranga Annual Thematic Festival was inaugurated on 27th August at Gyanananda Hall Alwarpet. Mr. V. Shankar, President of Mumbai Shanmughananda Sabha and a business magnate felicitated the Dhananjayans and gave away a gold medal, citation and a cheque for rupees ten thousand.

Multiple Awards from 2003 to 1995

Shanta Dhananjayan received the Kala-Sreshta puraskaar from Kaladarpanam publications, Cochi - 2nd october 2003.
Diamond Jubilee Award for Excellence Nrityodaya, Chennai at Dr. Padma Subramanian’s golden jubilee commemorative function - 5th July 2003.
Dr. Raja Sir Annamalai Chettiar Award for excellence in Fine Arts (Rs.50,000/- cash award and silver casket contating citiation) for the year 2002 was presented in Chennai by Union Minister for Law Hon.Sri. K.Jana Krishnamurthy - 12th October 2002.
Honour and felicitations at the Silverjubilee celebrations, Nrittanjali School of Dance , Perumbavoor - 25th May 2002.
Todayam (Kathakali club) 10th Anniversary Celebration Committee honoured and felicited the Dhananjayans - 19th May, 2002.
Honour and felicitation by Sarada Krishnayyar Trust and Fine Arts Society, Telicherry to the Dhananjayans - 15th May 2002..
Honour from Bharat Integration Committee in association with Telugu Academy (Madras) - October 2001.
Kaladarpana, a prestigious and popular Kerala Art magazine (Malayalam) has conferred on V.P.Dhananjayan the coveted award Kala-Sreshta after an opinion poll taken among many artists, connoisseurs and readers of the magazine. This title and citation were conferred on him in Ernakulam - 2nd October 2001.
Prathibha Pranaam, Kerala Government’s Manaviyam honour (received along with Nelson Mandela, South Africa) - March 2001.
Natyajyothi from Kapali Fine Arts chennai - January 2001
Nritya Ratna Award from Bhaarateeya Vidya Bhavan, Coimbatore Kendra - October 2000
BHARATAKALAA SAAGARA Award, given by Smt. Sudharani Raghupathi's Bharatalaya. Awarded by actor Shivaji Ganesan - October 18, 1997
Kerala Samajam’s Kalavedhi Award, Chennai -1997
Prathiba Pranamam Award by Govt of Kerala - 1997
Nritya Choodamani Award to Shanta from Sri Krishna Gana Sabha -1995

Kalaimamani Award

Kalaimamani Award to Shanta from Eyal Isai Nataka Mandram, Tamilnadu Govt. - November 22, 1995.

Presidential Award

Sangeet Natak Akademi (Presidential Award) -1994.

Kerala Sangeeta Nataka Academy Fellowship -1993

Kerala Sangeeta Nataka Academy Fellowship -1993.

Utsav Nrithya Ratna

Utsav Music in association with Sri Krishna Gana Sabha organized Dance Day Celebrations - conferring "Utsav Nrithya Ratna" title to The Dhananjayans at Sri Krishna Gana Sabha on April 28, 2013
Special guest: The Hindu N Ram.

LIFE TIME ACHIEVEMENT AWARD 2013

ROTARY CLUB OF CHENNAI GALAXY (Rotary International District 3230) presented “LIFE TIME ACHIEVEMENT AWARD 2013” for Cultural Excellence to The Dhananjayans, Padmabhushan VP & Shanta Dhananjayan. Presented by DR. A.KALANIDHI (Vice Chairman Commonwealth Science &Technology, Former Vice Chancellor of Anna University) on February 6th, 2013 at Hotel Accord Metropolitan, T.Nagar.

Recipients of this prestigious recognition included celebrities like. Dr.J.Balasubramaniam (JB) Director VHS & TTK Blood bank, Dr.Ravikumar.R (Cardio specialist, Chettinaadu Hospitals, American Board certified surgeon) & A. Diamond Babu.

RUKMINI FELLOWSHIP AWARD 2013 iInstituted by VITALSPRING Technologies Washington DC USA goes to the DHANANJAYANS. This was announced today the 2nd January 2013 in a special function at Hotel My Fortune Chennai (Chola Sheraton).

Dr. Sridhar and Jyotsna Poturazu announced the names of the winners amidst a special gathering of artistes as a total surprise. The fellowship award carries a purse of Rupees two lakhs (Rs. 2,00,000). This was in connection with the Music Academy's 7th Annual Naatya Festival being inaugurated by US Consula General Ms. JENNIFER A MCINTYRE on 3rd January 2013 sponsored by VITALSPRING -TECHNOLOGIES.

Lalithakala Ratna

33rd National Level Dance Drama Festival in Memory of Smt. Rukminidevi ( Founder Kalakshetra, Chennai), organised by Sri Lalithakala Academy Foundation Mysore, jointly cosponsored by Swami Vivekananda Yoga Anusandhana Samsthana University (SVYASA University Bengaluru) honoured Shanta & Dhananjayan with the title and honour of "Lalithakala Ratna". Sri. BSS Rao the Founder of SLAF is the dynamic force behind this organization which has been doing yeoman service to our ART AND CULTURE.

LAKSHYA DAMPATHIGAL

In connection with the Republic day celebration "ANBU PAALAM", A Tamizh Magazine edited and published by the great Gandhian and philanthropist Thiru. P.KALYANA SUNDARAM awarded the plaque of honor and gold medal and honoured the Dhananjayans with the title of "LAKSHYA DAMPATHIGAL" ( Ideal couple), recognizing the 40 years of service to art & culture by them through their institution, Bharatakalanjali.

LIFE TIME ACHIEVEMENT AWARD

SOORYA INTERNATIONAL, Singapore chapter honored The Dhananjayans with LIFE TIME ACHIEVEMENT AWARD and PLAQUE OF HONOUR on 8th November at Singapore Conference Hall on the occasion of commemorating the 60th Anniversary of Singapore Indian Fine Arts Society.