Padma Chebrolu receives Dada Rafiki Award 
 
November 21, 2007 

Cincinnati based dancer and choreographer Padma Chebrolu, Artistic Director of Cultural Centre of India, received the prestigious Dada Rafiki 2007 award on October 26, 2007 at the newly built Frederick Douglass School in Cincinnati, for her contributions to dance education and her outreach to the youth in the community. 

Receiving this award, Padma said, "Education I have received in various art forms also brought me the responsibility to share it with the children and community around me. This responsibility is a complete joy and an inspiration that keeps me energized. It is so important for our youth to be in positive and creative environment to sustain their innocence and lay a peaceful and strong foundation for their future generations. My contribution to this concept brings me fulfillment." 

Dada Rafiki awards were created in 2005, as a way of honoring positive women in the community. 'Dada Rafiki' means "sister friend" in the Kiswahili language of Eastern Africa. "Sisterhood is one of the most powerful forces in the world. It transcends age, race, religion and culture," says Annie Ruth. Dada Rafiki is a way of continuously honoring the spirit of many positive women in the community and allowing the public to benefit from the universal power of art. 

In 2006 the Dada Rafiki Collection honored 22 positive women, and the collection was donated to the Cincinnati-Hamilton County Community Action Agency to benefit the public. Over 25 artists and writers created both visual and literary works that honored the spirit of the women. This year 15 female artists have been brought together to honor the spirit of 26 women who positively impact the lives of youth. Artists are assigned to create works of art or use existing works that best represents each Dada Rafiki honoree. 

"Dada Rafiki" is... an art exhibit celebrating positive women in Greater Cincinnati. The exhibit of art will become a permanent collection, housed at a non-profit organization benefiting children and the community.