Vidyalatha Jeerage

A Journey of Artistic Expression, Service, and Scientific Pursuit

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“Bharatanatyam is a boundless art that allows me to express myself in ways words cannot,” reflects Shruthi Seluka—a dedicated Bharatanatyam student, aspiring scientist, and committed community volunteer.

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Daughter of Akilesh Obula and Ashok Seluka, Shruthi began learning Bharatanatyam at the age of four. Her formal dance education began in 2012 under the renowned and esteemed Guru Smt. Vidyalatha Jeerage at Vidya Dance Academy, where she has since grown into a senior student whose artistry reflects both discipline and deep emotional expression.

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Shruthi has been a key performer in Parva, the academy’s annual flagship production, since its inception in 2014. Under Guru Vidya’s guidance, she has participated in numerous thematic and group presentations that explore rich narratives rooted in Indian tradition. As a dedicated member of Smaran Performing Arts, she has performed in several major productions, including Ksheeramrutha, Mahalakshmi Vaibhava, Prahalada Charitham, and Krishnam Ondhe Jagathgurum. She has also contributed to a variety of fundraising and community-based performances, using dance as a medium to inspire and serve.

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Shruthi's artistic presence extends across the Bay Area, where she has performed at major cultural events and venues, including Kannada Koota of Northern California (KKNC), the Konkani Association of California, the Natyanjali Festival in Sacramento, Remalaya, and numerous corporate and temple festivals. Her participation in these diverse events highlights her versatility and commitment to promoting Indian classical arts within a broad community landscape.

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In addition to her stage experience, Shruthi has received recognition in both solo and group categories at dance competitions organized by Maithry Association, OSAAT, and the Malayali Dance Festival, reflecting her strong technique, expressive depth, and refined presentation. She also actively assists her teacher during classes at Vidya Dance Academy, contributing to the learning environment with responsibility and care.

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Outside the world of dance, Shruthi is deeply committed to science and community engagement. She will begin her undergraduate studies in Biochemistry at the University of California, Santa Barbara this fall. Her interest in medicine was strengthened by a medical internship in Tamil Nadu, where she shadowed physicians across eleven specialties in public hospitals. She also volunteered at Kaiser Permanente, gaining firsthand exposure to clinical operations and patient care.

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During the COVID-19 pandemic, Shruthi founded Kids Explore, a virtual learning initiative that offered workshops in science, art, and culture to more than 70 students nationwide. The program also raised funds for Soles4Souls, supporting underprivileged children with essential resources.

A trained flautist and an active member of her school’s marching band, Shruthi’s artistic expression extends beyond dance. As a volunteer with the Sourashtra Association, she actively contributes to preserving her cultural heritage by organizing events, designing media, and fostering intergenerational connections.

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As she steps onto the stage for her Arangetram, Shruthi offers a performance that is not only a culmination of years of rigorous training, but also a reflection of her values, vision, and voice. Her journey in Bharatanatyam continues to be a profound blend of tradition, service, and self-discovery—one that she carries with pride and grace into every chapter of her life.