My association with Newsband, Navi Mumbai’s first English daily, has been one of deep mutual respect and shared purpose. Over the years, I’ve worn many hats in my professional life—choreographer, performer, teacher—but writing for Newsband offered me something truly special: a platform to reach people through words, not just movement. My collaboration with the paper began with a simple invitation to contribute a column, but it quickly evolved into something more meaningful. It became a space for me to reflect, to connect with readers, and to bring dance and the arts closer to everyday conversation.

Working with Newsband has been a fulfilling experience. Each column I wrote wasn’t just about dance steps or performances—it was about life, culture, passion, and the power of art to change society. I’ve written about the origins of classical forms, the place of dance in modern life, the connection between movement and emotion, and even the subtle politics of performance. I’ve tried to ensure that each piece speaks not only to artists but also to the common man, to anyone who has felt something stir within them while watching a performance or listening to a melody. The editorial team at Newsband has been incredibly supportive, open to fresh ideas, and genuinely committed to making space for voices that don’t always find representation in mainstream media.

Through this journey, I’ve also represented Newsband at various cultural events and forums. In doing so, I felt I was not just sharing my own insights but also carrying the spirit of a publication that has always encouraged creative expression. That’s what sets Newsband apart—it’s not afraid to experiment, to offer its readers something beyond the routine headlines. In a world where newspapers often struggle to stay relevant, Newsband has carved its own path by staying close to the community and opening its pages to artists, thinkers, and everyday citizens alike.

But as we look toward the future, it’s clear that newspapers—especially local dailies like Newsband—must adapt to survive and thrive. The digital revolution has changed how people consume information. News today is fast, visual, and interactive. While the printed word still holds value, newspapers must evolve beyond the page. I believe Newsband is well-positioned to do this, provided it embraces the change wholeheartedly. Imagine turning some of the written columns into podcasts, video blogs, or short documentaries—articulated by the same voices that readers already trust. We could create virtual dance sessions, interviews, or even cultural roundtables, all rooted in the ethos of the newspaper but delivered through digital means.

If I may indulge in a little crystal ball gazing, I see a version of Newsband that’s not just a paper you read every morning, but a cultural platform that engages with its readers all through the week—via social media, events, live sessions, and digital collaborations. I’d love to be part of that next chapter, continuing to bring dance and the arts into new spaces, alongside a publication that has always valued creativity.

For newspapers to remain relevant, they must listen more, diversify their content, and connect with younger audiences. They need to become dynamic spaces—where news, art, and conversation co-exist. Newsband has already laid the foundation for this kind of future. And I’m proud to have been part of that journey. If my words and work have helped even one reader see the world a little more beautifully, then this association has been more than worth it.