With best compliments from : Chandrakanta Jayantilal ... - Meera Das

GUNJAN D NCE ACADEMY
The 15th Annual Dance & Music Festival
AT : SAHEED BHAWAN, CUTTACK
On 19th & 20th November 2011

GUNJAN D NCE ACADEMY
Chief Guest :
� Shri Pinaki Mishra
M.P. (Lok Sabha)
Guests of Honour :
� Padmashree Dr. Priyambada Mohanty Hejmadi
Former Vice-Chancellor, Sambalpur University
� Shri Prasant Nanda
MLA, Begunia (Actor, Director)
Cultural Programme :(19th Nov)
� Inaugural Meeting
� Souvenir Release of GDA by the Chief Guest
� “Krushnamruta Katha” by all the students of GDA
� Performance by Shri Manoranjan and Smt. Minati Pradhan
� Performance by Srjan Group
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Gayatri Das
President, GDA
Invitation
On the occasion of
15th Dance & Music Festival
GUNJAN DANCE ACADEMY
cordially invites you to the Cultural Evening of Dance & Music
on 19th & 20th of November 2011 at 6.30 p.m.
Venue : Saheed Bhawan, Cuttack
Chief Guest :
� Shri Prafulla Samal
Minister, Tourism, Culture & Co-operation
Govt. of Odisha
Meera Das
Founder - Director, GDA
Guests of Honour :
� Mr. Debashish Samantray,
MLA, Barabati, Cuttack
� Shri Soorya Krishnamoorty
Cultural Programme : (20th Nov)
� Closing Ceremony Meeting
� (a) Nibedita Samman Felicitation
(b) Special Certificate Distribution
� Performance by Smt. Meera Das
� Kathak by Smt. Anjana Jha and Group
� Tavil and Nadaswaram by Shri Karunamoorthy
� Fusion by Shri Karunamoorthy (Tavil),
Smt. Anjana Jha & Dancers of Gunjan

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^ùb´e 19-20, 2011ùe @ûùdûR^ KeêQò RûYò cêñ aòùgh @û^¦òZö Gjò @aieùe GK iàeYòKû _âKûg
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gêùbzû I @bò^¦^ RYûCQòö
cêñ C\¥ce iað i`kZû Kûc^û KeêQòö
Zû.3.11.2011
(cêefú]e P¦âKû« bŠûùe)
GUNJAN D NCE ACADEMY
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GUNJAN D NCE ACADEMY
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Naveen Patnaik
Chief Minister, Orissa
Message
I am glad to know that the 15th Gunjan Dance & Music Festival is
going to be held at Saheed Bhawan, Cuttack on 19th & 20th November, 2011
and a souvenir is being brought out in commemoration.
I wish the Festival and Publication all success.
(Naveen Patnaik)

Message
It gives me immense pleasure to know that, Gunjan Dance Academy,
Cuttack is going to organize 15th Gunjan Dance & Musical Festival at
Saheed Bhawan, Cuttack. Being an institution, committed for popularizing
Classical Dance and Odissi, it has earned reputation for its activities during
the last 15 years of its establishment.
I wish all success of the festival.
GUNJAN D NCE ACADEMY
Shri Prafulla Samal
Tourism & Culture, Co-operation
Orissa
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GUNJAN D NCE ACADEMY
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Message
Pinaki Mishra
Member of Parliament
(Lok Sabha)
It is indeed a pleasure to note that the Gunjan Dance Academy, “ASHRIBAD” Parija New Colony,
Mahatab Road Cuttack-l, Odisha is going to organise its 15 th Gunjan Dance & Music festival on 19th &
20 th , Nov., 2011 at Shaheed Bhavan, Cuttack, wherein artists of National and International repute will
showcase their artistic talent including Classical and traditional dance performances of Odissi. This festival
would surely bring to light their rich dance and musical expertise and their cultural tradition, and also give
them an international exposure, while drawing a large national and International audience. This would be
an opportunity to encourage a deeper understanding of our cultural values and also encourage the spread
of our rich Odia cultural heritage across the world.
I wish them the very best for the Festival and hope this provides to be a delightful experience for all
those involved as well as those attending the festival.
(Pinaki Misra)

Message
Once again the festivities begins Gunjan Dance Academy will be
celebrating its 15th Annual Day.
I am sure the young, beautiful & enthusiastic artistes will create the
perfect ambience for the art lovers to go to watch them and have a great time.
My best wishes,
Tathagat Satpathy
GUNJAN D NCE ACADEMY
Tathagata Satpathy
Member of Parliament
(Lok Sabha)
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GUNJAN D NCE ACADEMY
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Debashish Samantaray, MLA
Barabati-Cuttack
Orissa Legislative Assembly
Message
My Best wishes to Meera Das and Gunjan Dance
Academy. I am sure like every year you will enthrall the
people of our great heritage City of Cuttack.

Additional Secretary (FA)
Ministry of External Affairs
New Delhi-110011
Message
GUNJAN D NCE ACADEMY
I am very pleased to learn that the 15 th Annual Gunjan Dance & Music Festival is being organized by Gunjan Dance Academy
on the 19 th & 20 th of this month to commemorate its foundation day. The Academy in these 15 years has grown in leaps and bounds.
Its young and budding artists, under the dynamic leadership of their Director - Principal, 8mt. Meera Das, have spread the richness
of Odissi Dance far and wide, both inside and outside the country. The Academy itself has grown in stature stupendously and earned
a niche for itself in the horizon and expanse of Indian Culture.
Smt. Meera Das, the renowned Director-Principal of Gunjan Dance Academy, has indeed proved herself as a true disciple of
Odissi Maestros Guru Kelucharan Mahapatra and Guru Gangadhar Pradhan. She is an accomplished and world-famous exponent of
Odissi dance. She has performed in several countries under the sponsorship of Indian Council for Cultural Relations (ICCR) since early
nineties. Her latest performances in the fascinating Pacific island of Fiji with her troupe received huge applause and appreciation from
the local audience. Fijian media, both print and electronic, copiously covered her programme. I am quite confident and sanguine that
Smt. Das will take the Gunjan Dance Academy to many new pinnacles of success in the years ahead given her artistic-talent,
choreography-skill, managerial-acumen and above all her inherent intellect, articulation and sweet-nature.
On this momentous occasion, I extend my heartiest congratulations to Smt. Meera Das, her students and each and everyone who
is associated with this great dance academy. I wish the 15 th Gunjan Dance and Music Festival a great success. Let Goddess Saraswati
shower her choicest blessings on and provide all strength and encouragement to Smt. Meera Das and her students in their endeavour
to spread the message of rich Indian culture and tradition worldwide through their Odissi Dance performances.
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GUNJAN D NCE ACADEMY
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_¦e ahð ùjfûYò Mê¬eòZ jCPò ‘MêõR^’ IWÿògûùe, bûeZùe I bûeZ aûjûùe... ÊMðZü Mêeê
gâú ùKkêPeY cjû_ûZâue PÿeYûgâòZ gòh¥û cúeû \ûi G \ûdòZß ^òaðûj KeòaûKê iõKÌa¡û...ö
IWÿògûe iõbâû« _eòaûee _òfûcû^uê IWÿògú ^éZ¥ùe ^éZ¥ûdòZ KeòaûKê ~ù[Á _eògâc KeòQ«òö
_eògâce @ù^K iê`k còkòQòö @ûMKê @ûjêeò ~òaûKê @Qò....ö RM^Üûù[ _Qùe @Q«ò...ö
Mêeêù\au @ûgúhKê ù^A Mê¬eò ~ûC MêõR^...ö
_âgû« ^¦
_âgû« ^¦
^òùŸðg^
^ùb´e 3, 2011

Message
HAVE YOU EVER THOUGHT OF A WORLD WITHOUT ARTISTS...
THE WORLD WOULD BECOME A VACUUM.!!!
HAVE YOU EVER THOUGHT OF A STATE,
WHEN THE ANKLETS OF A DANCER FREEZES,...
THE HEARTBEAT OF A NATION COMES TO A STANDSTILL..
LET THOUSANDS OF ANKLETS DANCE TOGETHER TO
CREATE A RHYTHM OF LOVE.
AND MAY GOD BLESS GUNJAN DANCE AKADEMI TO TAKE THE LEAD.
(Soorya Krishnamoorthy)
GUNJAN D NCE ACADEMY
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GUNJAN D NCE ACADEMY
Mr. K.K. Mishra
Dirctor, ICCR, FIJI
Australia
12
Message
It gives me great pleasure to extend to all art lovers, warm greetings and best wishes on
this wonderful occasion of 15 th Gunjan Dance & Music Festival 2011.
Gunjan Dance Academy stationed in Cuttack is the periphery of Lord Jagannath. We seek
blessings from Lord Jaganath on this very momentous occasion.
This festival reflects the passion, commitment and concentration towards the art world
and the inward journey undertaken by Gunjan Dance Academy led by Ms. Meera Das. We
understand Meera Das and her team are the synonyms of the Odissi Dance world. We realized this
essence when this group visited the South Pacific to showcase their art under the inaugural event of the yearlong
festival, “40 Years of Indian Cultural Centre in Fiji: Festival of India 2011-2012” organized by Indian Cultural
Centre, High Commission of India, Suva . Fiji visualized the refined art which was undertaken by the wonderful
artists from the Gunjan Dance Academy.
We believe this dance and music festival will throw light and spirit of music and dance amongst the art lovers.
The 15 years journey of Gunjan Dance Academy reflects the hard work and dedication of each and every member.
The festival also provides the opportunity to learn from our ongoing developments and map out new directions
in our cultural journey towards building a symphony between dance and music. We personally feel dance and music
is the major component of our spiritual way of life. It is not only entertainment but also aspiration of socio-cultural
development.
May the true spirit of culture bring joy, peace and development in you all. I convey my best wishes to Gunjan
Dance Academy and all its members and wish it success in all its future endeavors.

Special Special Acknowledgements
Acknowledgements
GUNJAN D NCE ACADEMY
The evening cultural event depends heavily on the creative work put in by the following
Organisation
GUNJAN DANCE ACADEMY
Souvenir
P3 & Tripathy Xerox
Photo credits
Kalyan Bhagat (video & still)
Lighting Design and Sound
Jaydev Das & Kumar Lights, Cuttack
Stage craft
Ramachandra Das (Mancharupa)
Compere
Mrs Sindhu Brown, Mr. Kuna Tripathy & Mr. Bijay Malla
Event co-ordinator
Parthasarathi Parija & Lipsa Panda
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GUNJAN D NCE ACADEMY
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WE ACKNOWLEDGE YOUR GENEROUS
SUPPORT AND TIMELY HELP WITHOUT WHICH
OUR WORK WOULD HAVE BEEN INCOMPLETE
Mr. A.K. Parija, Chief Patron
Mr. Ashok Tripathy
Mr. K.N. Shrivastav
Mr. P.S. Parija
Mr. B.N. Samantaray (Bubu)
Mr. Sarat Sahoo
Mr. Lalatendu Mohanty
Mr. Rama Chandra Das
Mr. Narendra Kumar Sahoo
Mr. Debashish Samantaray
Mr. Deepak Samantray
Mr. Sabyasachi Parija
Mr. Kedar Mishra
Mrs. Gayatri Das
Mr. Anoop Ambule
Mr. D. Satpathy
Mr. Nanda Patnaik
Mr. Ananta Pati
Mr. P.K. Ray, Advocate
Mrs. Lora Mitra Ratha
Mr. Kalyan (Photography)
General S.D. Mohanty
Mr. Prasanta Ratha
Mrs. Sabita Parija
Mr. Sidharth Parija (ISSU)
Miss Shibani Parija (Soma)
Mr. Satyabrata Parija (Somu)
Miss Sasmita Panda
Miss Lipsa Panda
Mr. Manmath, Mr. Srijeet & Mr. Nishant

Special thanks to
Our Sponsorers
Chhatrapati Shivaji International Airport, Mumbai
WAPCOS Limited (Gudgaon, Delhi)
Dept. of Tourism & Culture Govt & Orissa
Tata Steel
Jindal Steel & Power
Maa Durga Flour Mills
Priyadarshini, Bhubaneswar
Shivam Honda, Bhubaneswar
Monginis
Rungta Mines Ltd.
Maa Durga Thermal Power Company Limited
Media Partner Tarang
Bhel
P3
GUNJAN D NCE ACADEMY
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GUNJAN D NCE ACADEMY
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gâúcZú ^òùa\òZû _…^ûdK i¹û^ 2011
~ûjûue @`êe« ù_âeYû, @Mû] C›ûj I @^ûaòk @ûgúaðû\e
Mê¬^ùe Gjò “Mê¬^” @ûRò cêLeòZ ùiA ùiÜjcdú
gâúcZú ^òùa\òZû _…^ûdK (fòfò)u
_aòZâ iáZòKê Rúa« eLòaû _ûAñ KéZm
Mê¬^e GK @gî-i{k aò^câ gâ¡û¬kò...

Recepient of Nibedita Patnaik Samman 2011
Shri Soorya Krishnamoorthy
GUNJAN D NCE ACADEMY
Nataraja Krishnamoorthy, better known as Soorya Krishnamoorthy , is the founder-director of the
SOORYA Stage and Film Society. The Society, based in Thiruvananthapuram(Trivandrum), India promotes Indian
arts and culture and is now renowned for organizing the Soorya Festival - the longest and one of the most
prestigious cultural events in India - conducted annually and now lasting for more than a hundred days in which
the finest and most accomplished artists in Indian classical dances and music participate. Over the years since its inception, Soorya
has opened chapters in Singapore, Malaysia, London (U.K),Manchester(U.K), Zurich (Switzerland), Vienna (Austria), Rome (Italy),
Koln (Germany), Dublin (Ireland), Bahrain, Kuwait, Abu Dhabi, Dubai, Muscat, Doha, and Saudi Arabia. Soorya has the professed aim
of disseminating Indian Culture and achieving “Integration through Culture”.
Soorya Krishnamoorthy is a pioneer of the Light and Sound show in Malayalam. He has also ventured in to the first ever mobile
Light and Sound Show and a new theatrical art form - “THEATRE OF FREEDOM”. This theatre movement also has completed 30
years. He has also written, conceived and directed various stage shows.
Professional Record : He joined the Indian Space Research Organization (ISRO) as a scientist/engineer in 1972, where he
worked under scientists such as, Bharat Ratna A. P. J. Abdul Kalam, C. R. Sathya, Padmashri M. R. Kurup, Padmashri Dr. V. R.
Gowarikar, Padmashri. S. Srinivasan- and the like, for a period of 27 years.
Soorya and Limca : As per the Limca Book of World Records : Soorya Krishnamoorthy - Man of the Year 2003. Soorya is the
largest cultural society of Asia. Soorya Festival is the largest and the longest Festival of Asia (75 continuous days)
Art and Culture : Soorya Krishnamoorthy brought Thiruvananthapuram, Kerala, in to the Cultural and Film Map of India,
through various cultural and film festivals. The 75 day long Soorya India Festival is a major festival in India today. Thiruvananthapuram
becomes the Cultural Capital of India during this event. He conceptualized and started the Tourism Week Celebrations for the Govt.
of Kerala in 1980 and the celebrations continue every year in the same design till date. He served as the director of the Kerala
State Film Development Corporation, 3 terms in succession. He has also been the member of the National Film Award jury, the Kerala
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GUNJAN D NCE ACADEMY
State Film Award jury, the NFDC Script Committee and the National jury for selecting Indian Panorama films. In 2006, he was the
Chairman, Film Awards Jury of John Abraham Awards and P.Padmarajan Award. He has also been a member of the Doordarshan
Advisory Committee, the Expert Committee of the Department of Culture, Govt.of India and the steering committee formed by the
Department of Culture, Govt. of India to evolve the cultural policy of the country. He contributed for the upliftment of the young
talents in the field of art and culture & also for the presentation, promotion and preservation of folk arts of Kerala.
He was the Chairman for Asianet Film Awards, the Executive committee Member, Kerala State Chalachithra Academy, Chief
Co-ordinator of Kerala State Film Awards 2001 & Kerala State Television Awards 2002, Vice Chairman of Kerala State Chalachithra
Academy and Executive Member of Vylopilli Samskrithi Bhavan.
Awards and honours : The prominent awards and honours include :
YEAR Award Conferred by
1994 “Prathiba Pranam” Award for Out-standing Creative Artiste Government of Kerala
1994 John Abraham Award for the best run film Society of Country Federation of Film Societies of India
1996 President of India’s National Award for Stage Craft and Direction Government of India
2001 Selected as one in 101 world renowned living Keralites of the millennium Government of Kerala
2003 “Man Of The Year” for contribution made in the field of art Limca Book of Records
2004 “Special Recognition” Award for overall contribution in the field of art and culture. Government of Kerala
“Award of Excellence” for outstanding contribution in the field of Art and Culture Govt. of Pondicherry
Special Award for contribution to the Film Society Movement in Kerala Federation of Film Societies of India
2006 “Kalaimamani” Award for Stage Craft and Direction Government of Tamil Nadu
2010 “Prem Nazir Foundation Award for year 2009” Award for valuable contributions to Kerala’s art and culture
Soorya Krishnamoorthy remains as the only artiste to have received the highest honour by 3 State Governments :
Kerala, Tamil Nadu, Pondicherry
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Chief Patron Speaks...
GUNJAN D NCE ACADEMY
It is a great moment of satisfaction and pride that Gunjan Dance Academy is completing one and half decade
of existence pursuing artistic excellence and I am also privileged to complete one decade of association with this great
institution. The infant organisation had gone thru the normal struggle of survival but has always come out stronger
to the position where it proudly stands today.
Last one year had been equally eventful with the Gunjan students under the guidance of Mrs Meera Das had
performed at Singapore,Australia,Malaysia,Oman,Dubai,Abu Dhabi and Kuwait. Under the nomination of Indian
Council of Cultural Relations, a twelve member troupe performed in many places at Fiji Island in Pacific region which is the only country
with the majority of Indian immigrant population. The remarkable appreciation in Fiji in both print media and television was a rare honor
for the school, its students and the founder Principal Mrs Meera Das. It is also a matter of great satisfaction that Mrs Meera Das is
the Choreographer for the Odissi Dance in the forthcoming film “Thukool” directed by the legendary Actor, Director Shri Prashant Nanda
and senior students of the school participated in the film. The theme of the film “Healing Power of Dance” is hoped to be a path breaking
presentation of Odissi Dance in celluloid media. While growing from strength to strength, it is my immense pleasure to share to its patrons,
friends and well wishers that Gunajan Dance Academy has grown to become Gunjan Dance Research Foundation. Besides imparting pure,
qualitative,creative and innovative Odissi Dance in the style of Guru Padma Bibhusan Shri Kelu Charan Mohapatra and Guru Padmashree
Shri Gangadhar Pradhan.
Gunjan will also focus on research and development of Odissi Dance as well as other classical dance forms of India.
This initiative is an humble beginning and I am confident that over the years by pure hard work and dedication, the institute will contribute
positively and substantially for the great dance form of Odissi,for which all Odias are proud of. I take this opportunity to thank Mrs Meera
Das for her hard work, dedication and perseverance to promote Odissi Dance in its original style. I also thank all the students of Gunajan
Dance Academy for their dedication not only to learn but carry forward the great culture, reputation and tradition of the school.
I thank all friends, well-wishers and supporters for their kind patronage without which the flag of the institution would not have
been flying so high today. Personally with the whole hearted support of Mrs Meera Das and her students we remain committed in our
mission “To earn Highest Respect and Regard by the society to Odissi Dancers”. Best reagrds.
Akshay Kumar Parija
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GUNJAN D NCE ACADEMY
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ùcû @^êbìZòeê...
Mê¬^e Mê¬eY @ûRò IWÿògû, bûeZ Z[û _é[ôaúe aòbò^Ü ù\gùe Mê¬eòZö 15 ahð Zùk R^à ù^A[ôaû
GA ùcûe cû^i i«û^Uò (@^êÂû^)Uò @ûRò ùcûe _eòPd _ûfUò~ûAQòö @ûLôùe @ûLôG i¸ûa^ûe Ê_Ü ù^A
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cûiòK aé©ò _â\û^ Keû~ûCö
Mê¬^e ^éZ¥\k (Performing Group) IWÿògû, bûeZ Z[û _é[ôaúe aòbò^Ü ù\gùe ^òRe ^éZ¥ _eòùahY Keò ùcûe Gaõ @ûc
^éZ¥ ùg÷kúe GK ÊZª _eòPd iéÁò Keò_ûeòQ«òö Mê¬^e ^éZ¥gòÌúcû^ue ^éZ¥ _âZò ^òÂû, ùcû _ûAñ bf _ûAaû @ûRò @^¥cû^u _ûAñ

GUNJAN D NCE ACADEMY
\éÁû« ùjûA_ûeòQòö Mêeê gòh¥ _eμeûe GK ^ìZ^ @¤ûd iéÁò KeòQò ùcûe @^êÂû^ö ^òKUùe ICCR Ze`eê GK 12 RYò@û ^éZ¥\k
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Fiji ùe aòMZ 40 ahð Zùk @aiÚû_òZ ùjûA[ôfû Gaõ aòMZ 40 ahð c¤ùe bûeZeê @ù^K ^éZ¥, iwúZ \k ùiVûùe ^òRe Kû~ð¥Kâc
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_â[c IWÿògú ^éZ¥ _eòùahY Cbd Fiji e IIC Gaõ Mê¬^ _ûAñ GK HZòjûiòK _\ùl_ö @ûce ^éZ¥ Fijie \gðKcû^uê ù~ aòùcûjòZ
Keò_ûeò[ôfû GK[û `òRòe icÉ MYcû¤cùe ajê CyùKûUúe bûùa _âgõiòZ ùjûA[ôfûö
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aò\MÛ \gðK Zò@ûeò Keòaö
RM^Üû[u ^òKUùe Gjûjó _âû[ð^û.... ùcûùZ @ûgúaðû\ Ke«êö ù]÷~ð¥, gqò Gaõ bf cYòh _Yò@û \ò@«êö Mê¬^ iûeû _é[ôaúùe
IWÿògú ^éZ¥e GK ÊZª Mê¬eY iéÁò Keêö
cúeû \ûi
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GUNJAN D NCE ACADEMY
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Invited Artists for 15 th Gunjan Dance & Music Festival 2011
Shri Manoranjan Pradhan
Guru Manoranjan Pradhan is one of the most talented, leading male Odissi dancers
today. He was trained at Orissa Dance Academy, Bhubaneswar under the direct supervision
of Guru Gangadhar Pradhan. He completed his Masters from Utkal Sangeet Mahavidyalaya
with first class distinction. He had also received intensive training from Padmavibhusan
Guru Kelu Charan Mohapatra at Odissi Research Centre. Excelling in technical virtuosity,
his gracefulness is enhanced by the vigour and variety of his body movements. Apart
from being a senior dancer of presnt generation, he has established himself as a sincere
Guru. A prolific performer on stage and TV in India and abroad, a major part of his career
has been spent dancing and teaching in Canada, Mexico and USA. He has also been
invited frequently by Centre for World Music, Sandiego;Stanford University; Pallavi Group,
Sanfransisco; Shristi Dance of India, Pittsburgh; Utkala Kala Academy,Utkal Center for
odissi Dance, Chicago in USA as a visiting teacher and Guest lecturer.
Manoranjan staged a number of programmes abroad including ICCR programmes in
many European countries like Croatia,Slovakia.London,Brazil,German,Italy etc. He also
conducted numerous workshops, seminars in different University of USA & Mexico. Besides
being a performer and teacher, he has also been a choreographer-some of his own dance
Choreography like dance drama- Manika Gauduni, Pancha Parameswar, Konark Kantee,
Asta Laxmi, Saraswati Bandana .For that he has received tremendous appreciation. He
is a Empanneled artiste of ICCR & ‘A’ grade artiste of Prasara Bharati and Govt. of Orissa.
Currently, Guru Shri Pradhan is involved in research and innovative works in the development of Odissi dance and
its creative aspects. He worked as the Principal of Orissa Dance Academy and Guest Lecturer of Odissi Dance department
at the Utkal

GUNJAN D NCE ACADEMY
University of Culture, In the year 2010, he was invited as Guest Professor in Unicamp University, Campinas, Brazil.,
Guru Shri Pradhan is currently working as a guest lecturer in Utkal Sangeet Mahavidyalaya in Bhubnaeswar. He is also serving
as main Guru in Guru Gangadahar Pradhan Foundation (GGP) presntly in Bhubaneswar.
CONTACT ADDRESS :
ManoranjanPradhan, Plot No- 3486/6101, (Near Kapileswar Temple), Palasuni, Rasulgarh., Bhubaneswar- 751025, (ORISSA)
INDIA., Email- manoranjanodissi@gmail.com, Phone- 08763069914 (Mobile)
Smt. Minati Pradhan
Minati has initiated to Odissi Dance by Sri Raghunath Dutta. Later she began training from Guru Laxmidhar Jena.
She received further training from Odissi Research Centre under direct supervision of Padmabibhusan Guru Sri Kelucharan
Mohapatra from her husband Guru Manoranjan Pradhan, Smt. Kumkum Mohanty the Chief Executive of ORC, and Padmashree
Guru Gangadhar Pradhan. She completed Sangeeta Visarad in Odissi Dance from Prachin Kalakendra, Chandigarh, securing
First Division with distinction.
She peformed extensively in several cities of India and abroad including some major festivals like :
Konark Dance Festival, Konark Puri Beach Festival, Puri 1st Dhauli Mahotsav CPC unify of spirit of India, Surya Festival
Kerala Nisha Gandhi Festival, Kerala Youth Festival organized by Central Sangit Natak Academy, New Delhi. Dussera Festival
South Mukteswar Dance Festival. Konark Dance and Music Festival, Dance festival Jamsedpur Tata(Organised by Central
Sangeet Natak Akademy, Delhi and Gomt.ofJamshed pur) Natyanjalli Festival. Guru Pankaj Charan Devadasi festival,Several
timis.etc.
Several times in Utkaldivas Programme, Govt. of Orissa E.Z.C.C. Barbati Festival and like different festival in different
places of India Performed in different places of Indonesia on the occasion of Baliyatra (Boitabandana), Chiana,
Singapore,Korea,Argentina and more. 2nd & 3rd International Odissi Festival at Washington D.C. USA, organized by IPAP.
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GUNJAN D NCE ACADEMY
Performed in different cities of USA like Pittesburgh, Sanfrancisco, San-Zose, Saltlake cities, Burlington, Washington D.C.,
Philadelphia, Syracuse, Chicago, Austin & other places invited by Srusti Dance of India and Utkala Kala Academy, Chicago,
USA. and many others,In Year 2008,she is invited by Indo-American Society Texas,U.SA.For teaching and performing along
with his Husband Manoranjan pradhan.and same year she performed Diferent places of u.s.a.Smae year she also invited
by Konark dance academy of Wasington d.c.For teaching and performance.
She was invited by Temple of arts in SINGAPORE to perform and teach along with her Husband Guru manoranjan
Pradhan in 2006 for festival of India and Test India.She went to China with Charisnu Programe.
Ms. Pradhan is an artist with technical perfection and feminine grace. She has performed widely inside the country
and abroad. She got many awards and Certificates throughout her dance career.She is a “A” grade artist of Govt. of Orissa
and she is a ICCR empannelled Artist. She Received Sanjukta Panigrahi Award 2008,Devadasi and Mahari Award given by
Jagarnath Temple ,Organised by Hanumana jayantee Cometee,Puri.Gradation Artist,Door Darsan Kendra.Ekalabya
award,Bhubaneswar.Apat all this She Got many Prestigious awards through her magnificent performances.
She worked as a Dance teacher in Guru KeluCharan Mohapatra Odissi Research Centre,Bhubaneswar. Minati imparted
training to many Students in Bhubaneswar, Guhwati, Kolkata and conducted classes at the International workshop of Indian
art in USA and other places she also taking Classes in her Own House in Bhubaneswar.
24
Minati and her Husband Manoranjan Pradhan is known as an execellent duo performer in Stage.
CONTACT ADDRESS.
Minati Pradhan (Dasgupta), Plot No- 3486/6101, (Near Kapileswar Temple), Palasuni, Rasulgarh. Bhubaneswar-
751025, (ORISSA) INDIA., Email-pinati13@gmail.com, Phone- 08763069914 (Mobile).

Srjan
GUNJAN D NCE ACADEMY
Invited Artists for 15 th Gunjan Dance & Music Festival 2011
In the universe of Indian classical dance & music Ratikant has carved for himself an
enviable niche as a dancer, percussionist, teacher & archivist. In the last 25 years, together with
his father Guru Kelucharan Mohapatra, he has been able to establish a firm imprint of Odissi in
the consciousness of audiences in many countries abroad and dozens of venues in this nation.
Drawing on a vast reservoir of creative talent found abundantly in father Guru Kelucharan
Mohapatra & mother Laxmipriya, the young Ratikant demonstrated a precocity far beyond his
youthful age. More in love with percussion than the schoolbook, Ratikant rapidly evolved into
a masterful player of the Odissi ‘Mardala’ and a leading male dancer to adorn the stage by the
age of 16.
The Times of India newspaper described him as the “young Kelucharan”. Barely in his
twenties, he collected a string of accolades for his dual skills, demonstrating them with a typical
ease and flair in numerous stage performances, and workshops in India & abroad. He rendered
enthusiastic & invaluable support to Guru Kelucharan Mohapatra in organizing, performing and assisting Guruji in the 1980’s
when the doyen of classical Odissi traveled abroad frequently to establish a global presence for the dance that represents,
today, the acme of Oriya cultural heritage, & its dynamic evolution.
The stamp of the Kelucharan Gharana is evident in Ratikant’s soft & hypnotic style of playing the Mardala – the
priceless inheritance from Guru Kelucharan Mohapatra himself, acquired by the second-generation exponent through hard
& unstinted labour-from childhood.
As the Director of SRJAN [Guru Kelucharan Mohapatra Odissi Nrityabasa], he has single–handedly created a world-class
dance institute, which attracts students from all over the globe for extended periods of learning Odissi dance. In this,
he has tirelessly emulated Guruji himself who devoted his entire life & energies into grooming dancers of the caliber of
Sanjukta Panigrahi, Sonal Mansingh, Madhavi Mudgal and many others. Added to this, Ratikant organises regular summer
25

GUNJAN D NCE ACADEMY
26
workshops for senior students & beginners to help them to absorb the
highly subtle & nuanced dance that has been fashioned by the Guru
Kelucharan Gharana in Odissi.
An additional accomplishment by Ratikant is in his role as a
choreographer, and that too, a highly applauded one. He has already
choreographed more than 30 new Odissi items , all of them having received
enthusiastic response and accolades for innovation, quality music and
fluency. They are “Jatayu Mokshya”, “Allah”, “Tarana Pallavi”, “Suna Manna,
“Bhaja Govindam”, “Om”, “Gita Govinda”, “Charukeshi Pallavi (in the 9beat
Adda tala)”, “Mrutyu”, to mention only a few. Ratikant modestly
dedicates all this to his father and Guruji and ascribes this excellence to
long years of observing Guru Kelucharan Mohapatra choreograph new pieces
and tirelessly work them until the last little detail is perfected. Ratikant’s
perfectionism and his uncompromising attention to the minutest detail
mirrors his departed Guruji’s sense of style & sensitivity to the ambience
created by the dance, the music, and the dancer - an inheritance well
received and equally well looked after.
His accomplishments has been acknowledged by a number of awards
including “Pride of India 2004”, “Sanjukta Panigrahi Samman 2005” and
“Nrutya Bhushan” by International Dance & Theatre Festival 2005.
Ratikant’s versatility and creative energy have found recent
expression in celluloid too. He has choreographed Odissi dance sequences
for an Indo–Chinese film “The Desire” and has guided the performance of
noted film stars Jayaprada and Shilpa Shetty in it. The sequences have
been set to classical Odissi music. This is the very first instance of a
Bollywood film featuring classical Odissi dance.

Invited Artist
GUNJAN D NCE ACADEMY
Dr. Anjana Jha (Kathak Dancer)
The agility like quick silver combined with a feline sort of grace best descirebes the performance
of “Anjana Jha”. Talented Anjana Jha started learning the nuances of kathak under the guidance of
guru “Shri Sukh Dev Singh Kushwah” at a tender age 8. She later underwent training under kathak
meastro guru “PT. Shri Rajendra Gangani” of the Jaipur Gharana. She took admission into the
prestigious institute of Kathak Dance- Kathak Kendra. Its is here that she was furthur polished by
her guru and has now blossomed into an artist of fine claibre who is deemed to gain recognition as
the years roll by.
She completed her diploma honours and post graduate diploma from the Kathak Kendra, New Delhi and she has
completed her Ph.D from “Indra Kala Sangeet Vishwavidyalaya, Khairagarh University Chhatisgarh.”
Subtle abhinaya, lithe and crisp footwork, clear movements and fluency in the idiom are some of the fine hall marks
of her performance. This has allowed her to perform on many perstigious platfroms in india and abroad. She has imbibed
the best from her guru of the jaipur school of kathak.
Today with her wizardry, she imparts her knowledge to the next generation.
Achievements :
• An empanelled aritist of the ICCR, • An empanelled teacher of the ICCR, • Anjana Jha is A graded artist of the
Delhi Doordarshan several of her programs were telecast on doordarshan in Delhi and Bhopal, • She is the recipient of a
Silver Medal Awarded by Padma Bhushan PT. Birju Maharaj for being a topper at the Kathak Kendra, • The title of ‘Nritya
Shri’ was awarded with a gold medal for participation in kiran sangeet samaroh 2004. Katni, • The title of ‘Kathak Shri’
was awarded by all india dance competition 2004, • A scholarship awardee from the misnistry of culture, • Secretary/
standing member of Guru Seva Kala Kendra production, • Prsented with the ‘Gwalior Gaurav Award’ from the Gwalior Vikash
Samiti.
She has performed extensively in all major festivals of India like Soorya Festival, Konark Festival, Mudra Festival,
Ananya Festival, etc. and she has also performed in the abroad chapters with Soorya.
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GUNJAN D NCE ACADEMY
Karunamoorthy is a young exponent of the Tavil bestowed with the prestigious honour
‘Asthana Vidwan’ of Kanchi Kamakoti Peetom for his meritorious service to traditional Indian
Music.
He took the first step at the age of ten when he started learning Tavil from Narayana
Panicker of Haripad, a temple-town in Alleppey (since renamed Alappuzha) district of Kerala.
in south India.
After three years of initial learning, Karuna headed for Tamil Nadu to learn from some
of the grand masters of Tavil percussion.
He started his higher lessons with Tanjavur Govindaraj and later moved to Tiruvidaimarudur Venkatesh to fine-tune
the art of playing this complicated percussion instrument. With a genuine appetite for more, Karuna was accepted by
maestro Valayappatti Subramaniam who helped him learn the advanced lessons in the art of Tavil playing. Already into the
concert circuit in Tamil Nadu and Kerala, the young man was later under the tutorship of another Maestro Mannarcudi
Vasudevan with whom he continues to play to this day. From playing with Carnatic Clarinet maestro AKC Natarajan,
Saxophone Maestro Kadri Gopalnath, Nadaswara Vidwans (maestros) Seturaman Ponnuswamy and Tiruvizha Jaishankar, and
Vettikkavala Shashikumar, Karuna’s shift to a more global perspective in music was quite natural.
He met his first overseas student, Christian Auer from Germany, in 1996 during a concert in Varkala, Kerala. Christian’s
appetite for learning Tavil turned their relationship into one that is more than that of a student and a teacher. In 1999
Christian invitedmoorthy to Germany thus providing the first overseas break for the young exponent who had by then
played with several maestros in India.
Having stepped into World Music, Karuna performed in various prestigious concerts in India and in countries like
Germany, Austria, France, Spain, Switzerland, Great Britain, Canada, New Zealand, Malaysia, Singapore, Bahrain, Sri Lanka,
Belgium, UAE, Kuwait, Saudi Arabia, Australia, with such luminaries of Jazz drumming as Steve Smith, Effrain Toro, Dave
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Invited Artist
Karunamoorthy (Tavil)

GUNJAN D NCE ACADEMY
Weckl, Hakim Ludin, Jeff Hamilton, Richie Gajate Garcia, Chad Wackerman, Marco Minneman, Ralf Gukdze, Brad Dutz,
besides many other well-known names, over the past few years.
Besides playing with them, Karuna conducted several workshops for drummers and percussionists of various genres
while in Europe. He has since been regularly performing with Flamenco dance exponent Bettina Costano from Spain. They
form a trio with the legend of Chenda (another soutth Indian percussion), Mattannoor Sankaran Kutty.
As a Tavil exponent, Karuna blends well with the multi-genre, multi-discipline music and dance shows organised in
various countries by Soorya Cultural Society run by Soorya Krishnamoorthy. Karuna’s journey into world of music started
at a very early age. His brilliance and dedication in the field of percussion did catch the eye of many maestros. They found
in him a cheerful and gifted musician with lot of vibrant energy to perform.
Karuna’s journey into the world of fusion music accompanying legends like Saxaphone maestro Kadri Gopalnath,
Chenda maestro Mattanoor Sankarankutty, Violin maestro Kunnakudi Vaidhyanathan and Veena (an Indian string instrument)
maestro Rajhesh Vaidhya, for concerts both in India and abroad, won him kudos.
He also accompanies the renowned Saxophone duo Lavanya Sisters, two young musicians from Chennai, for most of
their recordings and concerts. Karuna has the distinction of having played in over 1,500 stages around the world. In 2008
Karuna was bestowed with the prestigious honour ‘Asthana Vidwan’ of Kanchi Kamakoti Peetom for his meritorious service
to traditional Indian Music. His busy schedules in India and abroad didn’t stop Karuna from playing for some of the leading
film music composers in Tamil and Malayalam Harris Jayaraj and M Jayachandran.
During his early forays into the European circuit, Karuna has played with world music combo Embryo and features
in their live recordings. As an upcoming Tavil player, Karuna had in the late 1990s organised a few widely-televised concerts
in Kerala with Jazz Saxophone exponent Roland Sheiffer, Germany-based percussionist Hakim Ludin, Switzerland-based
Tabla player and music professor Jatinder Thakur, Kanjira player Selva Ganesh among others.
Apart from his Indian students, Karuna teaches several Europeans who got hooked on to the mesmerising power of
Tavil that he played during his several shows in Europe. Besides Christian, he also teaches Austrian drummer Sven
Kienesberger who is now a favourite student and friend.
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GUNJAN D NCE ACADEMY
30
In 40 years First Time Odissi Performed by Gunjan Dance in FIJI
Smt. Meera Das (Dancer)
ICC Takes this opportunity to thank ICCR for sponsoring the Odissi Dance
Group led by Smt. Meera Das to perform the inaugural event of 40 years
of IIC in FIJI. The Odissi Group performed remarkable thoughout FIJI
Islands. ICC has received encouraging feedbacks from the people in Fiji
in regards to the Odissi Dance Group’s performance.
(A note from Dr. Kamal Kishor Mishra, Director ICC)
Introduction to Fiji Report
In the forty years history of Indian Cultural Center, Fiji, Odissi was
a new cultural experience for the people of this Australian island. Many
forms and styles of Indian culture has been displayed there courtesy
Indian Council of Cultural relations (ICCR) except Odissi. Gunjan Dance
Academy had the proud privilege to be sponsored by ICCR and got a rare
opportunity to present Odissi to the people of Fiji for the first time. In a series of performances and lecture- demonstrations
artistes of Gunjan presented rich cultural heritage of Odissi to an alien audience. Under the able leadership of Guru Smt.
Meera Das we presented best of our productions and choreography. Our historical interaction with Fiji will be a treasured
souvenir for all of us. The director of Indian Council of Culture, Fiji Mr. Kamal Kishore Mishra has sent an elaborate and
appreciative report to ICCR,New Delhi. Here we are publishing an edited version of Mr. Mishra’s highly encouraging report.
17th August : Performance at Nadi Chamber of Commerce
The performance tour began from Suva. The next stage performance by the Odissi Dance group was done at Nadi
Chamber of Commerce. The people of Nadi and members of the Nadi Chamber of Commerce were delighted to see the
performances as the Odissi performance was the first performance in Fiji in the cultural history.

GUNJAN D NCE ACADEMY
18th August : Lecture cum Demonstration at Special School, Nadi
A lecture cum demonstration was done by the Odissi Dance group
for Special Children at the Nadi Special Education Board in Nadi town. The
demonstration was for the underprivileged children. The children present
during this occasion were delighted to see the performance.
18th August : Performance at Port Denarau
The Odissi group also staged their performance at Port Denarau.
The dance group along with Director (ICC) visited Port Denarau, Nadi to
showcase the talents of Odissi dance amongst the dignitaries and guests
present.
19th August : Lecture cum Demonstration at AD Patel School, Nadi
The Odissi Dance group also did a Lecture cum Demonstration at AD
Patel College, Nadi. The teachers and students of the school were delighted
to see the performances.
19th August : Performance at Girmit Centre, ICC Sub-Centre, Lautoka
The ICC Sub-Centre Lautoka is located in the Girmit Centre. The
Odissi Dance group performed at Girmit Cntre, Lautoka on 19th August, 2011. The people from the Lautoka area came in
large numbers to witness the performances by the Odissi Dance group.
20th August : Performance at FNU, Namaka Campus
The Odissi dance group staged their performance at Fiji National University, Namaka campus on 20th August, 2011.
The Odissi group along with Director (ICC) and staff of ICC Sub-Centre Lautoka were well received by the academicians,
staff and students of Fiji National University, Namaka.
21st August: Lecture cum Demonstration at South Sea Resort
While on their performance trip to Fiji, the Odissi Dance group got an opportunity to disseminate their art of Odissi
Dance in different parts of Fiji. The group also did a Lecture cum Demonstration at the South Sea Resort.
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GUNJAN D NCE ACADEMY
21st August : Performance at Swami Vivekanand College, Nadi
The staff, students and well wishers in Nadi came to witness the Odissi Dance group at
Swami Vivekanand College. More than 400 people gathered at the Swami Vivekanand College,
Hall. The Odissi Dance group were overwhelmed by the hospitality of the people and gave a
marvelous performance at the College.
22nd August : Lecture cum Demonstration at Newtown Beach for School Children, Nadi
Fiji is a country of scenic beauty and white sandy beaches. The Odissi Dance group visited
the Newtown Beach during which they did a Lecture cum Demonstration for the School Children
in Nadi. Students from different schools in Nadi came down to the Newtown Beach to witness the Lecture cum
Demonstration.
22nd August: Performance at Khatri Hall, Khalsa College, Ba
The last performance of the Oddissi group was done at Khalsa College, Ba. The Principal of the College, Shri Pradeep
Chandra mentioned that they were pleased to receive the Odissi group in their college and showed keen interest to host
cultural groups of the same nature in the College in near future. The students and staff of the College were delighted
to see the stage performances by the group. People from the local community of Ba were also invited to view the last
stage performance of the Odissi group in Ba.
ODISSI MAGIC IN ALIEN LAND
By OUR CORRESPONDENT | www.telegraphindia.com – Tue, Aug 9, 2011
Meera Das Odissi
An odissi troupe from Orissa is going to Fiji this August. The members of Gunjan Dance Academy will perform odissi
from 11th to 19th of this month in various cities of Fiji. They are preparing to perform with the guidance of Meera Das,
famous odissi dancer. International Relation Association of India and ICCR are sending the troupe to the republic of Fiji.
Fiji is celebrating its 40th freedom anniversary this year. Fiji is one of the islands of Australia where 60% NRIs are
living. This odissi troupe rehearsaled some new dance themes to present there and Meera Das is also going to attend two
odissi workshops there.
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Commodity Vs Culture : Odissi in the era of Globalization
GUNJAN D NCE ACADEMY
By Kedar Mishra
On the very next evening I had another, no less extraordinary experience of Indian art, this time of movement,
dance, and ritual. It was a performance of Odissi, one of the Indian classical Indian dance forms. In India, dance has formed
an integral part of worship from ancient times and is still one of the purest artistic expressions of spirituality. Every
performance of classical dance is a dance drama in which the artist enacts well known stories from Hindu mythology by
communicating a series of emotions through abhinaya – an elaborate language of stylized body postures, gestures, and
facial expressions. In Odissi dance, the classical poses are the same as those of the deities in the Hindu temples.
I went to the performance with a group of young people whom I had met after one of my lectures, one of them
a student of Odissi dance herself. They told me very excitedly that the special attraction of that evening was not only
to see Sanjukta Panigrahi, India’s foremost Odissi dancer, but also her celebrated Guru, Kelucharan Mahapatra, who does
not generally dance in public. This evening, however “Guruji”. As everybody called him, would also dance.
Before the performance, my dancer friend and a fellow student of hers took me to backstage to meet their dance
teacher and possibly, to see Guruji and sanjukta prepare themselves for the performance. When the two young women
encountered their teacher they bowed down and touched with their right hands first the teacher’s feet and then their
own foreheads. They did so with natural, flowing ease; their gestures hardly interrupted their movements and conversation.
After I was introduced we were allowed to peek into an adjoining area where Sanjukta and Guruji were engaged in an
intimate ritual. Fully dressed for the performance, they faced each other in prayer, whispering intensely and with closed
eyes. It was a scene of utmost concentration, which ended with Guruji blessing his student and kissing her on the
forehead.
I was amazed by Sanjukta’s elaborate dress, makeup, and jewelry, but I was even more fascinated by Guruji. I saw
a pouchy older man , half bald, with a delicate, strange, and compelling face that transcended conventional notions of
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GUNJAN D NCE ACADEMY
male and female, young and old. He wore very little makeup and was dressed in some kind of ritualistic garment, which
left his torso naked.
The performance was magnificent. The dancers evoked a ceaseless stream of emotions through a dazzling display
of the most refined movements and gestures. Sanjukta’s poses were fascinating. It seemed to me as if the ancient stone
sculptures, which were so fresh in my memory, had suddenly comes alive.
The most wondrous experience, however, was to see Guruji perform the initial invocation and offering, which begins
every performance of classical Indian dance, He appeared at the left of the stage with a plate of burning candles in his
hand, which he carried across the stage as offering to a deity represented by a small statue. To see this oddly beautiful
old man float across the stage on swirling, twisting, flowing movements, the candles flickering all about him, was an
unforgettable experience of magic and ritual. I sat there spell bound, staring at Guruji as if he were some being from
another world, a personification of archetypal movement
(An excerpt from the last chapter of Uncommon Wisdom by Fritjof Capra)
Fritjof Capra, the famous scientist-thinker, the celebrated writer of Tao and Physics was on a tour to India to explore
the Indian culture and spirituality in the year 1982. During his sojourn in Bombay, he was overjoyed to watch the
performance of Guru Kelucharan Mahapatra and Sanjukta Panigrhi. For Capra it was a blend of magic and ritual. Not only
Capra, for audiences and tourists all across the world, Odissi has been a source of unalloyed pleasure. During last couple
of years, Odissi dance institutes have cropped up in the Europe, the USA, and Japan and also in many Asian countries.
Artists have also multiplied manifold. The Times of India, if it is believed, in one of its report in September 2006,
announced that the influence of classical dances of India, especially Odissi, have grown hundred times all over the world.
This phenomenal growth and influence of Odissi during last 50 years have surprised many.
Though researchers try to establish Odissi as an ancient traditional dance form, but it grew as a distinct art form
only in the post-independent period. Scholars trace its origin to the ancient Temple walls of the state and various folk
dances: Mahari Seva, Rasalila, Gotipua, Sabda Nrutya, Sakhi Nata and Prahlada Natak et all. To prove its antiquity There
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GUNJAN D NCE ACADEMY
are references from classical literature like, Natya Shastra, Skanda Purana, Brahma Purana, Srimandira Parampara, Chaitanya
Charitamruta, Abhinaya Chandrika, Abhinaya Darpana etc.. However, even in Orissa, Odissi was not recognized as a distinct
dance form till 1950s. According to researcher Dhiren Pattanaik, “Odissi was alive amongst the gotipua only. During 1947-
48, under the stewardship of Kavichandra Kalicharan Pattanaik, Odissi was performed on the stages of the Annapuran
Theater”. The original masters of Odissi like Pankaj Charan Das, Debaprasad Das, Kelucharan Mahapatra, Laxmipriya Mahapatra
had grown out of the Theater. In the year 1947, Kelucharan Mahaptra and his wife Laxmipriya Mahapatra had played
Dasavatar on the stage of Annapurna Theater under the guidance of Guru Pankaj Charan Das. Later, performance of childdanseuse
Sanjukata Mishra (the greatest Odissi danseuse known as Sanjukta Panigrahi) in Calcutta in 1953, performance
of Priyambada Mohanty in the inter university function in 1954 and of Indrani Rehman, the disciple of guru Debaprasd Das
laid the strong foundation for the growth and spread of Odissi. Thanks to the effort of
Indrani-Devprasad duo, Odissi for the first time was performed outside India. Subsequently, a process began to
develop a tradition, a grammar and to achieve classical recognition for the art form. In this noble endeavour, a few names
must be rembered, and they are Charles Febry, celebrated art critic of The Statesman, poet Mayadhar Mansingh, Jeevan
Pani, Scholar Dhirendra Nath Pattanaik, Babulal Joshi, founder of Kala Vikas Kendra; Pundit Sadasiv Rathsharma, historian
Kedar Nath Mohapatra and above all Kavichandra Kalicharan Pattanaik. Their intellectual effort and guidance had gone long
way establishing the classical status of Odissi. On the other hand, the tireless labour of Guru Pankaj Charan Das and his
disciple Kelucharan Mahapatra, Guru Debaprasad Das, Guru Mayadhar Rout, Mahadeb Rout, Raghunath Dutta, Dayanidhi Das
and many others had made Odissi adapt to the state of modern stage. In this context, the contributions of a galaxy of
Odissi danseuses like Sanjukta Panigrahi, Dr. Minati Mishra, Kumkum Mohanty,Sonal Mansingh were also noteworthy. By
that time Raghunath Panigrahi had already earned a reputation in the field of Hindustani and Karnataki music. But his
dedication to Odissi music lent a new character to Odissi dance. It would be no exaggeration to say that the modern Odissi
is born out of the music of Raghunath Panigrahi and the dance of Sanjukta Panigrahi put together. Similarly, in the Odissi
music tradition, contributions of Simhari Symasundar Kar, Khetramohan Kar, Pundit Markandey Mahaptra, Balakrushna Das
and Bhubaneswar Mishra would be remembered by every Oriya.
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GUNJAN D NCE ACADEMY
Here, my primary aim is not to map the history or growth of Odissi dance. Rather, I would like to broadly discuss
the role of Odissi dance in the development of cultural tourism in Orissa and how it has been able to attract world
audiences since 1950s. In this context, I would like to draw the attention to the debate around the issue of purity/
originality and the adulteration/deviations (or changes) in Odissi. Initially, Odissi performances were restricted to 3-4
minutes only. Now, even in solo performance, the artist dares to present for one hour at a stretch. It is also felt that
the group dance has much popular appeal. Keeping this in view, the gurus of the new generation are giving much priority
to group choreography. Much change has also taken place in solo performance. Newer and novel experiments are being
made in stagecraft, sound and light effect, foot and body movements, music and diction, costume, mudras and body
languages. They are no more confined to Orissa or even India; now their eyes are open to the world audience and tourists.
These changes have spawned much debate in Orissa on the issue of the classicism, the originality and the grammar
of Odissi. Even, Guru Pankaj Charan Das and Guru Kelucharan Mohapatra had once locked their horns on the purity of
Odissi. When Das argued to locate Odissi in the tradition of Lord Jagannath and Poet Jayadeva emphasizing mahari
tradition, Mahaptra spoke for modernity and global approach to expand Odissi. Though both of them stood firmly on their
grounds, it could certainly be said that Odissi needed a global approach at that time. But the Oriya identity and glory
inherent in Odissi have no less been sacrificed in the pursuit of globalization. Various traditions of temple services (mahari,
madeli, binakar) associated with Odissi have become prey to adulteration and cheap imitations. Certain noble traditions
have been played with for commercial motive. Some people have even tried to associate it with nudity and pornography.
Despite all these controversies and debates, Odissi has not been halted on her way: a great solace. Rather, they have had
positive impact on the dance form. It has created a niche for itself all across the world.
After the globalization of the 1990s, the politics and economics have been liberalized. It has, to some extent,
impacted the Indian culture and traditions. Our traditional art and culture were dazzling in their own glories. Now, in the
era of globalization, they suffer from many psychological complexes. Our artists are under the spell of an absurd notion
that to go global means to leave local. Thus, after 90s we witness a drastic change in Odissi dance. Creating a brand name
and making a professional approach replaces the old days order. A person with heavy foreign funds, well connected to the
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media world and possessing a well-honed commercial skill, becomes celebrity dancers. Art critics and scholars arbitrarily
branded people as the Best or the worse. And it is also being said that those who are in Orissa and think that Odissi
identity can be located in Oriya language and culture, they cannot be considered high-class artist or guru. The second
generation artists and gurus are striving hard to earn national and international recognition.
The Odissi dance is gradually disappearing from its original periphery but expanding in Metros and capital cities of
Indian states and foreign countries. In a way, the expansion of Odissi is the expansion of Orissa. But the neglect of the
Oriya Odissi artist is the flip side of the same story. Though the artists and gurus of the second generation are working
quite creatively and efficiently, initiatives to promote, either from the government or not non-governmental sector are
rare to be seen to help them establish. Rather, the demand for the foreign danseuses is increasing day by day. Appearances
of foreign and metro-based danseuse are increasingly visible in the festivals organized by the Govt. of Orissa.
At present, some of the reputed Odissi institutes located in Bhubaneswar and Cuttack are presenting shows at the
international level. Their dream and attitude to Odissi seems to have been caught up in paradoxes. Odissi has gradually
become a money-spinning enterprise; though we are not tired of saying it is part of our culture. Hence, these institutes
are bound to present shows that can attract foreign tourists and audience. Odissa Dance Academy of Guru Aruna Mohanty
, Rudraksha of Bichitrananda Swain, Srujan of Guru Ratikanta Mahapatra, Nrutyayana of Guru Durgacharan Ranbir, Gunjan
of Meera Das shall be facing this paradox daily. For them, audiences are no more local; they have to prepare shows for
the world audience. But, here the million dollar question is: how can you bring a synthesis between the tradition and
the modern sensibility?
If we discuss the pattern of growth of Odissi dance from the point of view of tourists, there would be many surprises
for us. First, there is history of conflict on the issue of tradition and modernity in Odissi dance. Once, Guru Pankaj Charan
Das had argued that women could only be artists; they possessed no right to be gurus. He was angry on Guru Kelucharan
Mahapatra because he defied his dictum and conferred on his disciples the dignity and status of a guru. But today, this
can be seen as a gender issue. It would be no exaggeration to say that Odissi has seen the world sitting on the shoulders
of her danseuse. Priyambada Mohanty, Sanjukta Panigrahi, Minati Mishra, Kumkum Mohanty, Rita Devi, Ratna Roy, Indrani
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Rehman, Yamini Krishnmurti, Sonal Mansingh, Aruna Mohanty, Sujata Mahapatra, Madhavi Mudgal, Sharmila Biswas, Alok
Kanungo, Jhelum Paranjape, Meera Das, Sangeeta Das, Kavita Dwivedi and others have been playing the role of torch
beareres. Many of them are not only danseuse but also brilliant choreographers. It is a pity that till her death Sanjukta
Panigrahi was not conferred the status of a guru. However, times have taken a happy turn. Today Aruna, Sujata, Meera
and others are addressed as guru on the stage without a hitch. If we through a glance at the history of Odissi choreography
of the last couple of years, these women artists have proved their excellence beyond doubt as gurus. In them, tradition
and an eye for the world merrily combine.
A FINAL NOTE
Our predecessors had resurrected Odissi to establish the cultural identity of Orissa in the post-independent period.
It was born out of a nationalistic impulse to establish the Oriya cultural identity at pan-Indian level. In 1950s, in a meeting
at Cuttack, Rukmini Devi, founder of Kalakshetra, had commented that Odissi is a poor imitation of Bharatanatyam. This
comment worked as a wake-up call to establish Odissi as a distinct art form. Even from the political and economic point
view, the resurrection of Odissi was a cultural necessity. In the globalization era, no one is hesitant to show-case Odissi
as our main cultural heritage to develop tourism industry. But, it is just not a commodity. It is a refined expression of
people’s culture and value of life for the last one thousand year. It would be suicidal to turn it into a marketable
commodity only. It is time to think how not to injure its traditional glory deeply linked to lord Jagannath and peoples
culture while developing it as a tourism commodity.
(I am indeed grateful to my friend and brother Nigamananda Sarangi who translated this article from Oriya to English.)
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