Setu Bandhana Presentations (SBP) was born from the passion and vision of an Indo-Canadian first-generation immigrant dance artist, arts educator, writer (please review her articles by clicking on the hyperlinks via the 'Our Village' page!), arts manager, arts equity, HR and cultural policy consultant Samyuktha Punthambekar. By donning a new hat as an arts presenter, her journey towards envisioning SBP began as a brainchild in January, 2023 based of lived and embodied experiences from 1st generation POC artists. This was further implemented as Setu Bandhana Presentations in September 2023. Furthermore, As part of SBP's Resource Hub, its advocacy extends beyond performance to arts administration and leadership roles. Empowering 1st generation South Asian arts workers to take on leadership positions is essential for shaping the future of the arts and ensuring that their unique perspectives are represented.

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Founder & Executive - Artistic Director of SBP, Samyuktha Punthambekar, an Ottawa-based Bharatanatyam dancer, had a deep-rooted connection to the Indian dance forms such as Bharatanatyam, Kathak and Indian folk dance styles. Her artistic journey had taken her from the hallowed halls of the Kalakshetra Foundation in India to international stages. However, Samyuktha keenly felt the challenges faced by first-generation immigrant artists like herself in finding professional opportunities, overcoming barriers and working tirelessly to bring her vision to life.

Arts and Curatorial Consultant of SBP, Paromita Kar a classical Indian Odissi dancer, who achieved a significant milestone by becoming the first doctoral graduate in Dance Studies in Canada. She has not only dedicated to her craft but also passionate about collaborating with artists of other heritages, enriching her choreography with diverse influences. With the support and consultancy by Paromita Kar, supported in braiding the concept of collaborating 1st generation South Asian artists and silk route artists as part of SBP.  The spark that ignited SBP was their realization that they could combine their talents, experiences, and shared values to create something truly impactful.

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Together, they envisioned a platform that would celebrate the movement traditions of South Asian immigrant artists, transcending the boundaries of dance to include martial arts and allied traditions. Their aim was not only to provide performance opportunities but to promote inclusivity, equity, and cultural preservation within the arts. In a world where diversity and inclusion are increasingly valued, SBP's advocacy is a vital step toward celebrating the contributions of 1st generation South Asian artists and arts workers and creating a more inclusive, representative, and dynamic arts community for all.

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SBP made its grand debut with an inaugural concert 'Woven Journeys', which captivated audiences and set a precedent for celebrating the rich diversity of movement traditions within South Asian immigrant communities. The organization's birth is a testament to the transformative power of shared dreams, dedication, and a commitment to breaking down barriers for immigrant artists, promising a bright future for the arts and culture landscape.