Divya Shankar

Short Bio

Divya S., aged 21, is a native of North Paravur in the Ernakulam district of Kerala. Born prematurely in the sixth month, she weighed only about one kilogram at birth. Furthermore, she was diagnosed with 85% Intellectual Disability (Down Syndrome). Until she was about three and a half years old, Divya did not display any typical developmental milestones. She could not turn over, sit up, or speak on her own, and she wouldn’t even look or pay attention when called.

Following a doctor’s advice, she began physiotherapy at three months old and continued it until she was five. Because she lacked speech, she also underwent speech therapy consistently for four years. To address her lack of facial expressions, the doctor suggested enrolling her in dance classes as a form of therapy, explaining that it would help her understand and express the Navarasas (the nine facial expressions).

Slowly, she showed signs of rhythmic response by dancing to her brother’s songs. The doctor noted that children with these conditions often have an innate interest in the arts.

When she was six years old, her parents took her to a dance school. However, the teacher initially refused to teach her, citing difficulty in communication and a lack of experience in training children with special needs. They were told to look elsewhere. Only after her parents’ persistent requests—asking the teacher to simply let her watch other children dance—did the school accept her.

Remarkably, seven months later, the teacher informed the parents that Divya had been selected for her Bharatanatyam Arangetram (debut performance) alongside other students. Her parents were astonished; they could hardly believe that a child who once struggled to stand could be ready for a stage performance so quickly.

The impact of dance therapy exceeded everyone’s expectations. Divya performed exceptionally well and went on to learn Mohiniyattam and Kuchipudi. By the age of ten, she had completed her debut performances in both those styles as well.

To date, she has performed on approximately 140 stages, appearing solo as well as alongside both typically developing children and other children with special needs. She also choreographs and performs cinematic dance.

Inspired by a peer who performed a one-hour solo Bharatanatyam concert (Kacheri), Divya expressed a desire to do the same. In 2018, while in the 8th grade, she fulfilled this dream by performing a solo Bharatanatyam concert that lasted over two hours. This incredible feat earned her a place in the India Book of Records in 2019.

Divya is currently a final-year B.A. Bharatanatyam student at the RLV Government College of Music & Fine Arts, Tripunithura.

Record-Breaking Performances

Divya is a double record holder in the India Book of Records:

• 2025 (January 18): Set a record for performing a solo Mohiniyattam Kacheri lasting over one and a half hours at Changampuzha Park, Edappally.

• 2019: Earned her first record for a solo Bharatanatyam Kacheri lasting over two hours.

Recent State & Government-Level Achievements (2026)

• Divyanga Ratnam – State Level Award (January 14, 2026):

Honoured by Voice of Disabled during “Wings of Mind 26”, a District Convention & International Accessibility Awareness Programme held at Aloor Grama Panchayat Community Hall, Thrissur, in recognition of her outstanding courage, perseverance, and inspirational achievements.

• State-Level Inclusive Event Recognition (January 19–21, 2026):

Participated as a Rhythm Artist at BHINNASHESHI SARGOTHSAVAM – “Savishesha: Carnival of the Different”, an inclusive state-level cultural event organized by the Social Justice Department, Government of Kerala, held at Thiruvananthapuram.

Government Honors and Participation

• Ujjwala Balyam Award (2022): Department of Women and Child Development, Government of Kerala.

• Government Initiatives: Selected member of the Youth with Disabilities (Rhythm, Anuyatra Dance) group and active participant in their programs.

• National Festivals: Participated in “Sammohan”, a national festival for the differently-abled organized by the Different Art Centre at the Magic Academy, Trivandrum.

Personal Life and Skills

Divya is the daughter of Mr. Sankaranarayana Iyer and Mrs. Rajeswari of Shivalayam, Peruvaram. Encouraged by her elder brother, Sarath & his wife Nidhi, she developed a keen interest in technology from a young age and is now proficient in using mobile phones and computers.

Performance Portfolio

She continues to excel in Bharatanatyam, Mohiniyattam, Kuchipudi, and cinematic dance, with performances on nearly 140 stages as both a solo artist and ensemble performer.

Media and Public Recognition

Featured on:

• Flowers TV – Comedy Utsavam

• Mazhavil Manorama – Big Salute

• Plavila TV – Divyang Kalaparivar

Awards and Honors

Government & International

• ICANN (Govt. of Kerala & UNICEF)

• Atypical Advantage (United Nations Organisation – UNO)

• Government of Kerala – Talent Search Leadership

• Unarvu – Government of Kerala

Cultural & Social

• Adapt Society, Thrissur

• Sahayathra – Gopinath Muthukad Magic Academy

• Akkara Foundation

• Prarthana Foundation

• Sugathavanam Charitable Trust

• The Dost Group, Kozhikode – Self Advocate Award

• Republic Day & Mikavu recognitions

World Records

• Participated in the 100-day Bharatha Nrithotsavam at Peringottukara Devasthanam, Thrissur (World Record event), performing Bharatanatyam continuously for 30 minutes.

Recent Events

• Performed Bharatanatyam at “Samabhavana 2025”, held at RLV Government College, Tripunithura.

    * Divyanga Ratnam – State Level Award (January 14, 2026):

Honoured by Voice of Disabled during “Wings of Mind 26”, a District Convention & International Accessibility Awareness Programme held at Aloor Grama Panchayat Community Hall, Thrissur, in recognition of her outstanding courage, perseverance, and inspirational achievements.

• State-Level Inclusive Event Recognition (January 19–21, 2026):

Participated as a Rhythm Artist at BHINNASHESHI SARGOTHSAVAM – “Savishesha: Carnival of the Different”, an inclusive state-level cultural event organized by the Social Justice Department, Government of Kerala, held at Thiruvananthapuram.

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