Achiever's Success Story
“A Global Academic & Cultural Indian Ambassador”
Dr. Malini Ranganathan, has from 1983, created awareness of Indian Cultural Ethos & Value Systems, trained thousands of women in France in Indian Fine & Performing Arts, and academically mentored them in International Management Systems. The 1st Indian lady from France, conferred the prestigious and highest distinction to an NRI, the Pravasi Bharatiya Samman Award by the Hon President of India, H.E. Shri Ram Nath Kovind in January 2019 in Varanasi, for her outstanding contribution in dual domains, Academics, and Arts; she was invited as a State guest, by Hon PM Shri Narendra Modi for the Kumbha Mela at Prayagraj and for Republic Day Parade in Delhi. On the French side, she was honored for Extraordinary cultural service and contribution to the promotion of India in France from 1983 with the ‘Medal of Excellence’ in May 2019 (French Ministry and the City Council of Nantes), in 2019, the ‘Certificate of Recognition’ by CID-UNESCO, Paris, France and the ‘South Indian Women Achievers Award’ on 22nd December 2020 in Chennai.
Artistically speaking, Dr. Malini Ranganathan, an internationally known Kathak dance exponent has performed extensively in India, the USA, Canada, and Europe, particularly in France. She has been recognized officially by the ICCR, the Embassy of India, Paris, the French Ministry of Culture, NARTAKI, International Dance Council, Paris, and CID-UNESCO; Who’s Who Directory. The crowning glory of her organizational abilities, NAMASTE FRANCE, October 2016 in Nantes was entirely conceived and curated by her. Dr. Malini is also the Founder-Director-Teacher-Choreographer of eminence in Kathak, at BINDI, a non-profit Indo French Center of Indian Arts, where she has trained numerous French students. She has created a new teaching protocol for Kathak dance which combines traditional teaching contents with new methods of transmission tailored especially for French students.
Academically Dr. Malini holds a Ph.D. in Didactics of Educational Sciences in French, highlighting the cross-cultural context, from the European University and is a Researcher Professor in International Business Management for MBA students at ISG, Nantes. She has created a special module ‘Doing Business in India’ with a focus on a better understanding of India & France. She has her credit both in English & French, several scientific publications & paper presentations in international journals & conferences. As an Indian representing France at international events, grounded locally in the hearts of her students and admirers, she has reached out globally as a citizen of the world. Her industrious and integrative approach to work and family has dispelled unfortunate stereotypes about India as an under-developed country. While seamlessly assimilating with the local French lifestyle, her Indian value-based approach has given a unique identity to her and to her activities in France. In the process, she has emerged as a role model for both Indian and French women.
She has built closer links between India, the Indian Diaspora, and France is at the forefront of strengthening the Franco-Indian relationship. While her vision towards global recognition for Indian dance is driven by her passion for performance, her mission to share the benefits of the art is driven by her passion for teaching. In short, Dr. Malini Ranganathan has never missed an opportunity to showcase the rich; varied, intellectual & cultural heritage of the cradle of all civilizations, that is, India. A true Pravasi Bharatiya Nari.
