With 500 students, “Utkarsh” was established in 1994 in the city of Surat, in the Gujarat region of western India.

With a long history of textile production and weaving, India has played a crucial role in the trade along the Silk Roads. Indian silk from the mulberry silkworm was highly valued for its quality and variety, contributing to the wealth of artisans and the prosperity of these regions.

This opulence is reflected in the traditional costumes of “Utkarsh.” A descendant of silk merchants, the director Behnaz S. Todiwala and her dance school perfectly represent the theme of RFI 2024.