Popularly known as "Amma", Sarabhai passed away in Ahmedabad due to age-related problems at the age of 97.
This is what President Mukherjee's condolence message read to Mrinalini Sarabhai's daughter, Mallika read: I am sad to learn about the passing away of your mother, Smt. Mrinalini Sarabhai.Smt. Mrinalini Sarabhai left an indelible mark on Indian classical dance as an eminent danseuse, choreographer and teacher.
Educated at Shantiniketan and a disciple of Gurudev Rabindranath Tagore, Smt. Mrinalini Sarabhai was trained in Bharatnatyam, Kathakali and Mohiniyattom. Dance was her life, passion and existence.
Smt. Mrinalini Sarabhai believed that the power of dance, music, arts and literature must be experienced by the common man. She was a poet and author as well as a dedicated activist who fought against dowry deaths, suppression of women and child labour.
Smt. Sarabhai exemplified the fighting spirit of her mother and freedom fighter, Ammu Swaminathan and her sister Lakshmi Sehgal, who was Commander-in-Chief of Netaji Subhas Chandra Boses Rani of Jhansi Regiment of the Indian National Army.
She was also of inspiration and support to her husband, Dr. Vikram Sarabhai, the father of the Indian Space programme.
In recognition of her invaluable contribution to Indian classical dance and arts, Smt. Sarabhai was honoured by the nation with several awards, including Padma Shri in 1965 and Padma Bhushan in 1992. Her death leaves a void in the world of creativity and performing arts which will be difficult to fill. Her tireless efforts to spread Indian classical dance around the world will be always remembered.
Please accept my heartfelt condolences and convey the same to the rest of your family members. I pray to the Almighty to give you and other members of the family strength and courage to bear this irreparable loss.
Sonia Gandhi in a letter to her daughter Mallika Sarabhai, who wrote: I am sad to learn of the passing away of your beloved mother.
Throughout her long, active and fulfilled life, Mrinalini Sarabhai contributed richly to our cultural landscape, through the talent and passion that imbued everything she did.
She was an inspiring teacher to thousands of students at her Darpana Academy, and an exceptionally gifted and productive dancer, choreographer and writer, read the letter.
Mrinalini ji was, moreover, a staunch nationalist and patriot, who courageously defended our pluralistic culture and secular values. In this, she was upholding the proud tradition of her own parents who were such brave freedom fighters.
At this time of grief, you must draw solace from the fact that your mother must have taken great pride in the courage and conviction with which you yourself have always acted and spoken out against prejudice and discrimination, and that you carry forward her wonderful legacy as a dancer as well.
We will always honour Mrinalini Sarabhais memory, just as we continue to honour the memory of your brilliant father, Vikram Sarabhai.