Vice-President Releases Ananda Shankar Jayant’s Memoir, Dancing with Joy

The memoir explores how dance, resilience and passion helped acclaimed classical dancer Ananda Shankar Jayant navigate her journey through cancer.

The Hon’ble Vice-President of India, Shri C. P. Radhakrishnan, released Dancing with Joy, an inspirational memoir by renowned classical dancer Ananda Shankar Jayant, at Uprashtrapathi Bhavan in New Delhi.

Published by Garuda Prakashan, the book launch was attended by Dr Sandhya Purecha, Chairperson of the Sangeet Natak Akademi; Dr Sachchidanand Joshi, Member Secretary of the Indira Gandhi National Centre for the Arts (IGNCA); and Dr P. Raghu Ram, Chairman of the Ushalakshmi Breast Cancer Foundation. The event also brought together prominent dance and music gurus, artists and bureaucrats.

A Story of Dance, Cancer and Resilience

Addressing the gathering, the Vice-President described the memoir as much more than a story about dance and joy. He highlighted its message of passion, hard work, resilience and the strength that comes from recognising and nurturing one’s talent.

Reflecting on Ananda Shankar Jayant’s experience with cancer, he said the book was not merely about cancer but about life beyond the disease. He noted that a deeply nurtured passion could provide an anchor during difficult times and help people turn adversity into an opportunity for self-discovery.

The Vice-President also referred to the book’s message that the ‘D’ in DANCER helped its author overcome the ‘C’ in cancer. He observed that dance, developed through years of discipline, learning and dedication, had become a source of strength for Ananda during one of life’s greatest challenges.

At the heart of the memoir is the idea that cancer need not define a person’s life. Ananda writes, “Cancer is a mind game,” and reflects on how dance became a core strength in navigating the disease and its challenges.

Vice-President Highlights Cancer Awareness and Early Detection

The Vice-President stressed that awareness, early detection and timely treatment are essential to saving lives from cancer. He also highlighted the importance of preventive healthcare and access to specialised treatment.

He noted that, under the leadership of Prime Minister Shri Narendra Modi, initiatives such as Ayushman Arogya Mandirs and the National Programme for Prevention and Control of Non-Communicable Diseases are supporting preventive healthcare, awareness and early screening.

The Vice-President also referred to the expansion of cancer care facilities across States. According to his address, more than 700 District Clinics and 500 Day Care Cancer Centres have been established. In addition, 19 State Cancer Institutes and 20 Tertiary Care Cancer Centres have been approved for operationalisation.

He highlighted the annual health coverage of ₹5 lakh for eligible families under Ayushman Bharat. He also referred to the nationwide HPV vaccination campaign launched in February 2026, which aims to protect approximately 1.2 crore young girls against cervical cancer, with more than 50 lakh girls already vaccinated.

The Vice-President further acknowledged the role of families and volunteers in supporting cancer patients. He noted that their emotional support, encouragement and care are vital during treatment, even as families often make significant personal and financial sacrifices.

Passion as a Source of Strength

Drawing lessons from Ananda’s journey, the Vice-President said success and failure are two sides of the same coin. He encouraged people facing cancer and other serious challenges to remain hopeful and view setbacks as opportunities to learn and return with renewed determination.

He also emphasised that talent alone does not lead to excellence. Instead, sustained learning, practice and commitment help individuals develop their abilities. Passion, he noted, is not a luxury but a source of strength that can prove invaluable during difficult times.

Congratulating Ananda on the publication, the Vice-President expressed the hope that Dancing with Joy would encourage young people to discover and develop their talents, inspire readers and remind them that life’s challenges can be faced with courage, grace and joy.

A Memoir of Art, Purpose and Personal Growth

Ananda Shankar Jayant is one of India’s foremost classical dancers. Her life and work bring together art, intellect and public service, shaped by discipline, grace and determination.

Dancing with Joy explores her journey as an artiste, teacher, speaker, writer and arts entrepreneur. It also examines how her passion for dance became a source of strength during her experience with cancer.

The memoir encourages readers to recognise and nurture their individual talents. Moreover, it offers insights for those navigating uncertainty, self-doubt and unexpected challenges.

The book also speaks to young artists seeking to build sustainable careers in the performing arts. It encourages parents to identify and nurture their children’s talents. At the same time, it offers inspiration to anyone seeking courage and motivation during difficult periods of life.

Released during Breast Cancer Awareness Month in October, Dancing with Joy presents a message that extends beyond cancer survivorship. It celebrates the role of art, discipline and purpose in helping people navigate life’s challenges.

Acclaim from Authors and Cultural Leaders

The memoir has received appreciation from artists, authors and cultural leaders for its reflections on discipline, artistic practice and resilience.

Dr Sonal Mansingh, Padma Vibhushan awardee and former Rajya Sabha MP, described the book as a reflective journey into the life of an artiste who understands the meaning of sadhana. She also highlighted the central role of art in human resilience.

Dr Sandhya Purecha, Chairperson of the Sangeet Natak Akademi, praised the book for showing how Indian performing arts can move beyond performance to become a source of healing and transformation.

Author Ami Ganatra described the memoir as a story of dancing with joy, walking with grit and living with determination. Author Shefali Vaidya praised its portrayal of the discipline of Kalakshetra, the aesthetics of Bharatanatyam and the strength of a dancer’s spirit.

Dr P. Raghu Ram, OBE, Founder Director of the KIMS-Ushalakshmi Centre for Breast Diseases, reflected on the book’s message that illness may affect the body but need not diminish the human spirit.

Gautam Chikermane, Vice President of the Observer Research Foundation, also praised the memoir for its exploration of existence and the inner life.

Through its account of dance, cancer and personal growth, Dancing with Joy encourages readers to discover their strengths, nurture their passions and approach life’s uncertainties with courage.

Availability: Dancing with Joy is available on Amazon.