Author: Ankita Rajeshwari
Publication: The Times of India
Date: August 30, 2016
URL:   http://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/india/Sushma-Swaraj-assures-help-to-yesteryears-veteran-dancer-Tara-Balgopal-who-has-been-living-in-penury/articleshow/53923519.cms?utm_source=toimobile&utm_medium=Email&utm_campaign=referral

She used to be our country's pride. Today, she lives in a dilapidated house in Delhi's Rajouri Garden, in a state of penury.

80-year-old Tara Balgopal was one of the most well-known dancers of Kathak, Kathakali and Bharatanatyam our country has ever seen. But fame does not last, and people tend to forget. The country that once issued stamps in her name, became completely oblivious to her existence when her glory days were over.

However, every cloud has a silver lining. After media reports on her condition began doing the rounds on social media, our external affairs minister Sushma Swaraj intervened to make a difference.

----------------------------------
Sushma Swaraj @SushmaSwaraj
I have spoken to Ms.Tara Balgopal. I have understood the problem. We will help her.
6:31 PM - 28 Aug 2016
----------------------------------

After a man named Sachin Srivastava brought Tara's story to Swaraj's notice on Twitter, she responded shortly, saying, "I will reach Ms Tara Balgopal and help her. Thanks for bringing this to my notice".

----------------------------------
Sushma Swaraj @SushmaSwaraj
I will reach Ms Tara Balgopal and help her. http://www.indiatimes.com/news/india/heres-how-india-has-failed-its-beloved-dancer-tara-balgopal-who-now-lives-in-absolute-poverty-245859.html … Thanks for bringing this to my notice. https://twitter.com/Sachin_song/status/769654349018517504 …
12:22 PM - 28 Aug 2016
----------------------------------

Swaraj is well-known for her social media presence and quick perusal to calls for help.

In a subsequent tweet, Swaraj again assured people that the government will help Tara. "Shri Subhash Arya, BJP leader and ex-mayor of south Delhi, will call her today," she said.

Tara has won numerous awards and accolades for the country on various international platforms and she used to be very close to the Nehru-Gandhi family. Today, she is known by her neighbours as the 'Madrasi' in an area otherwise dominated by the Punjabi community. Her face is emblematic of our country's apathy.