Ahmedabad, Jan. 21 (PTI): Celebrated classical dancer Mrinalini Sarabhai died at her Ahmedabad home today. She was 97.

Mrinalini was the founder director of the Darpana Academy of Performing Arts, a school of dance, drama, music and puppetry in Ahmedabad.

The daughter of social activist and freedom fighter Ammu Swaminathan, Mrinalini trained in Bharatnatyam, Kathakali and Mohiniyattam.

Mrinalini married space scientist Vikram Sarabhai. She is survived by daughter Mallika and son Kartikeya.

In his condolence message, President Pranab Mukherjee said: "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.

"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 Bose's Rani of Jhansi Regiment of the Indian National Army..."

Congress president Sonia Gandhi also offered her condolences, describing Mrinalini as "a staunch nationalist and patriot, who courageously defended our pluralistic culture and secular values".