We are proud to share that our esteemed founder and Executive Director, Mrs. Pamela Rebello, OM, has been awarded the prestigious Mahatma Gandhi Community Service Award. The award was presented at the Canadian Museum for Human Rights by the Mahatma Gandhi Centre of Canada during their annual Peace Awards Ceremony.
This honour is a meaningful recognition of Mrs. Rebello’s lifelong dedication to the advancement of Indian classical arts in Canada. Fondly known as “Pam Aunty” within our community, she founded the India School of Dance 45 years ago—Winnipeg’s first Indian classical dance institution. Her commitment to the school and its mission has remained steadfast ever since. Even well into her 80s, she continues to play an active role, visiting the school regularly to support teachers and students, and leading strategic discussions to ensure the school’s continued impact and relevance as a cultural institution.
This past weekend, Mrs. Rebello produced two remarkable events: Rangmanch Pravesh, a Kathak solo graduation performance by Quiana Kumar—the second of its kind ever held in Manitoba—and Kaleidoscope, a multidisciplinary showcase of Indian classical art forms dedicated to the memory of the late Honourable Justice Murray Sinclair, attended by members of his family.
Under Mrs. Rebello’s guidance, India School of Dance students have performed internationally, earned top honours at provincial competitions, and contributed to academic discourse by delivering university-level lectures on Indian classical dance.
We are deeply honoured to see her legacy celebrated in this way and remain inspired by her vision, perseverance, and unwavering support for the arts.
