Darpana Academy of Performing Arts, Ahmedabad
Darpana was established as a dance academy by Mrinalini and Vikram Sarabhai in 1949. For nearly two decades it taught classical dance. With Mrinalini as the lead dancer, and ChatunniPanicker as her partner, the Darpana dance company toured across the world. A few years later the great Kuchipudi guru, c R Acharyelu joined the faculty., In the 60s Darpana added departemnts of Gujarati theatre and puppetry under the inspired direction of KailashPandya, Damini Mehta and Meher Contractor. These departments taught and had performing groups that established names for themselves. Gujarati theatre was revived as was the folk form of Bhavai, and many other declining forms from across the country. The Andhra shadow puppets found a new lease of life., By the 70s thousands of students were studying BharataNatyam, Kathakali, Kuchipudi, Mohiniyattam, vocal and instrumental Carnatic music, puppetry, Bhavai and modern theatre. Many of the faculty members got involved in using the arts to tackle every day issues and prejudices. And Darpana grew., In 1977 Mallika Sarabhai took over as Honorary Directory. In 1980 Darpana for Development was established to focus attention on creating behavior change communication through the arts with KailashPandya and Mallika taking the lead. Government departments, Ministries and other non governmental agencies began partnering D for D to educate the public in issues of health, education and empowering women. Over the next two decades D for D became the fastest growing segment of Darpana, creating powerful communication that reached hearts and minds., By 1999 when Darpana turned 50, all the Founder’s dreams had been fulfilled and over 20000 students had streamed through the institution. In a major reorganization, the teaching of the arts were put on a back burner and new collaborations, technological innovations and the use of the arts for social change took center stage. In 2001 YadavanChandran started Darpana Communications to explore the use of television and film for social change. Over the next decade the department produced and broadcast more than 2000 hours of programming, much of it path breaking in its innovative use of audience participation and in using popular genres to introduce taboo subjects. Recently Darpana for Development and Darpana Communications were merged to become Darpana for Change. In 2014 Revanta Sarabhai took charge of the teaching wing, the Conservatory, to revitalize it. This department now runs short and long term courses in classical dance and music, theatre, martial arts and a variety of other forms.
Darpana Academy of Performing Arts, Ahmedabad is a recognized higher education institute located in Ahmedabad, Gujarat. The college is officially affiliated with Gujarat University, Ahmedabad and provides quality undergraduate and professional education to students across the region.
Campus Location
Darpana was established as a dance academy by Mrinalini and Vikram Sarabhai in 1949. For nearly two decades it taught classical dance. With Mrinalini as the lead dancer, and ChatunniPanicker as her partner, the Darpana dance company toured across the world. A few years later the great Kuchipudi guru, c R Acharyelu joined the faculty., In the 60s Darpana added departemnts of Gujarati theatre and puppetry under the inspired direction of KailashPandya, Damini Mehta and Meher Contractor. These departments taught and had performing groups that established names for themselves. Gujarati theatre was revived as was the folk form of Bhavai, and many other declining forms from across the country. The Andhra shadow puppets found a new lease of life., By the 70s thousands of students were studying BharataNatyam, Kathakali, Kuchipudi, Mohiniyattam, vocal and instrumental Carnatic music, puppetry, Bhavai and modern theatre. Many of the faculty members got involved in using the arts to tackle every day issues and prejudices. And Darpana grew., In 1977 Mallika Sarabhai took over as Honorary Directory. In 1980 Darpana for Development was established to focus attention on creating behavior change communication through the arts with KailashPandya and Mallika taking the lead. Government departments, Ministries and other non governmental agencies began partnering D for D to educate the public in issues of health, education and empowering women. Over the next two decades D for D became the fastest growing segment of Darpana, creating powerful communication that reached hearts and minds., By 1999 when Darpana turned 50, all the Founder’s dreams had been fulfilled and over 20000 students had streamed through the institution. In a major reorganization, the teaching of the arts were put on a back burner and new collaborations, technological innovations and the use of the arts for social change took center stage. In 2001 YadavanChandran started Darpana Communications to explore the use of television and film for social change. Over the next decade the department produced and broadcast more than 2000 hours of programming, much of it path breaking in its innovative use of audience participation and in using popular genres to introduce taboo subjects. Recently Darpana for Development and Darpana Communications were merged to become Darpana for Change. In 2014 Revanta Sarabhai took charge of the teaching wing, the Conservatory, to revitalize it. This department now runs short and long term courses in classical dance and music, theatre, martial arts and a variety of other forms.
College Highlights at a Glance
Courses Offered at Darpana Academy of Performing Arts, Ahmedabad
Please enquire directly with the college administration or check with Gujarat University, Ahmedabad for the latest approved course seat matrix.
Gujarat University, Ahmedabad
Degrees for all students enrolled at Darpana Academy of Performing Arts, Ahmedabad are conferred and certified by Gujarat University, Ahmedabad. All curriculum guidelines, semester examination schedules, and degree evaluations are regulated by the university.
Check Eligibility Criteria
Ensure you fulfill the minimum qualification requirements (graduation marks, entrance test qualifying rank for professional courses like B.Ed / M.Ed / B.Tech).
Entrance Exam / CET Registration
Candidates must register for the relevant state entrance examination (e.g., MAH B.Ed CET for education courses, or state CAP portal) and obtain a scorecard.
Centralized Admission Process (CAP)
Participate in online CAP rounds by selecting Darpana Academy of Performing Arts, Ahmedabad as your preferred institute choice.
Seat Allotment & Document Verification
Report to the college with original documents and pay the prescribed admission fees to confirm enrollment for academic session 2026.
Mandatory Documents for Admission
Modern Classrooms & Audio-Visual Hall
Well-ventilated lecture rooms equipped with visual aids for interactive teaching.
Curriculum & Reference Library
Extensive repository of textbooks, educational research journals, and study materials.
Computer & ICT Laboratory
High-speed internet enabled workstations supporting digital learning and coursework.
Subject & Practical Laboratories
Specialized lab setups for methodology practicals and experiential training.
Sports & Physical Activities
Outdoor playgrounds and indoor recreation facilities encouraging holistic health.
Auditorium & Multi-Purpose Hall
Spacious venue for seminars, academic symposiums, and cultural events.
Darpana was established as a dance academy by Mrinalini and Vikram Sarabhai in 1949. For nearly two decades it taught classical dance. With Mrinalini as the lead dancer, and ChatunniPanicker as her partner, the Darpana dance company toured across the world. A few years later the great Kuchipudi guru, c R Acharyelu joined the faculty., In the 60s Darpana added departemnts of Gujarati theatre and puppetry under the inspired direction of KailashPandya, Damini Mehta and Meher Contractor. These departments taught and had performing groups that established names for themselves. Gujarati theatre was revived as was the folk form of Bhavai, and many other declining forms from across the country. The Andhra shadow puppets found a new lease of life., By the 70s thousands of students were studying BharataNatyam, Kathakali, Kuchipudi, Mohiniyattam, vocal and instrumental Carnatic music, puppetry, Bhavai and modern theatre. Many of the faculty members got involved in using the arts to tackle every day issues and prejudices. And Darpana grew., In 1977 Mallika Sarabhai took over as Honorary Directory. In 1980 Darpana for Development was established to focus attention on creating behavior change communication through the arts with KailashPandya and Mallika taking the lead. Government departments, Ministries and other non governmental agencies began partnering D for D to educate the public in issues of health, education and empowering women. Over the next two decades D for D became the fastest growing segment of Darpana, creating powerful communication that reached hearts and minds., By 1999 when Darpana turned 50, all the Founder’s dreams had been fulfilled and over 20000 students had streamed through the institution. In a major reorganization, the teaching of the arts were put on a back burner and new collaborations, technological innovations and the use of the arts for social change took center stage. In 2001 YadavanChandran started Darpana Communications to explore the use of television and film for social change. Over the next decade the department produced and broadcast more than 2000 hours of programming, much of it path breaking in its innovative use of audience participation and in using popular genres to introduce taboo subjects. Recently Darpana for Development and Darpana Communications were merged to become Darpana for Change. In 2014 Revanta Sarabhai took charge of the teaching wing, the Conservatory, to revitalize it. This department now runs short and long term courses in classical dance and music, theatre, martial arts and a variety of other forms.
District: Ahmedabad | State: Gujarat, India
Campus Location: Ahmedabad
Located in Darpana was established as a dance academy by Mrinalini and Vikram Sarabhai in 1949. For nearly two decades it taught classical dance. With Mrinalini as the lead dancer, and ChatunniPanicker as her partner, the Darpana dance company toured across the world. A few years later the great Kuchipudi guru, c R Acharyelu joined the faculty., In the 60s Darpana added departemnts of Gujarati theatre and puppetry under the inspired direction of KailashPandya, Damini Mehta and Meher Contractor. These departments taught and had performing groups that established names for themselves. Gujarati theatre was revived as was the folk form of Bhavai, and many other declining forms from across the country. The Andhra shadow puppets found a new lease of life., By the 70s thousands of students were studying BharataNatyam, Kathakali, Kuchipudi, Mohiniyattam, vocal and instrumental Carnatic music, puppetry, Bhavai and modern theatre. Many of the faculty members got involved in using the arts to tackle every day issues and prejudices. And Darpana grew., In 1977 Mallika Sarabhai took over as Honorary Directory. In 1980 Darpana for Development was established to focus attention on creating behavior change communication through the arts with KailashPandya and Mallika taking the lead. Government departments, Ministries and other non governmental agencies began partnering D for D to educate the public in issues of health, education and empowering women. Over the next two decades D for D became the fastest growing segment of Darpana, creating powerful communication that reached hearts and minds., By 1999 when Darpana turned 50, all the Founder’s dreams had been fulfilled and over 20000 students had streamed through the institution. In a major reorganization, the teaching of the arts were put on a back burner and new collaborations, technological innovations and the use of the arts for social change took center stage. In 2001 YadavanChandran started Darpana Communications to explore the use of television and film for social change. Over the next decade the department produced and broadcast more than 2000 hours of programming, much of it path breaking in its innovative use of audience participation and in using popular genres to introduce taboo subjects. Recently Darpana for Development and Darpana Communications were merged to become Darpana for Change. In 2014 Revanta Sarabhai took charge of the teaching wing, the Conservatory, to revitalize it. This department now runs short and long term courses in classical dance and music, theatre, martial arts and a variety of other forms.. Use Google Maps for turn-by-turn driving directions to the campus.
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