Swajan Raghuvanshi becomes first PhD holder in Nepali dance

Swajan Raghuvanshi of Lalitpur has earned a PhD, or Vidyavaridhi, in Nepali dance.

He is the first Nepali to receive this degree in the subject of Nepali dance. Raghuvanshi is the founder-chairperson of Classic Culture Center. He completed his research in dance at Rajkumari Indira Singh Kala Sangeet Vishwavidyalaya in Kherasagarh in India's Chhattisgarh state.

Along with Nepali folk dance, Raghuvanshi has studied, trained in and performed Charya dance, Kathak and Bharatanatyam styles. Before his PhD, he had completed a bachelor's degree in dance from Sirjana College of Fine Arts in Lazimpat, Kathmandu. He later completed a master's degree in Bharatanatyam dance from Banaras Hindu University in India.