The Indian tricolour does not simply sit behind the dancer. It emerges through movement. The body, the dance and the flag become part of the same gesture.

Saffron speaks of courage and sacrifice
White of truth and peace
Green of life and growth

At their centre, the Ashoka Chakra reminds us of movement, continuity and the journey forward.

Perhaps that is why the tricolour feels so at home in dance.

For more than five decades, Odissi, one of India's classical dance traditions, has been part of my journey. Through it, I have had the privilege of carrying a small part of India with me, across borders, onto stages, into classrooms, and to people discovering this extraordinary art form for the first time.

On India's Independence Day, I am grateful to my gurus and teachers who entrusted this tradition to me; to the artists and students who continue to give it life; and to the audiences around the world who have opened their hearts to it.

Above all, I remain grateful to India for an artistic heritage of extraordinary depth, beauty and humanity.

The journey continues. Wherever the dance travels, a part of India travels with it.

Happy Independence Day.

Jai Hind.

Carrying a classical tradition is both a privilege and a responsibility - to honour it, keep it alive and pass it on.