Sonal Mansingh, Padma Vibhushan awardee, is much more than a dancer. Over the years, she has successfully re-invented herself from a Bharatanatyam exponent into an Odissi dancer, teacher, kathakar, composer, administrator, and is now a Member of Parliament, Rajya Sabha, nominated by the President of India. Articulate and confident, she champions the cause of women as well. She has been described as “like the mighty Ganga, she emerges flowing easily in each phase of her journey”. A pointer about Sonal Mansingh’s different values, and unique take on life, was evident in her choice of chief guest at the event to celebrate 75 years of her life— it was Bhagvati Kamakhya Devi, symbolically represented by an empty centreseat in the front row, on which was draped a red dupatta.