EDITORIAL

The time of birth is always a special moment. Twenty eight years back, when Gunjan was incepted, my idea then was to create a small cultural space where I could teach the essence of Odissi dance to a few interested students and a few hesitant steps. Later, I could fulfill my childhood dream and this journey made me experience and rediscover Odissi in a very wholesome manner.

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At a tender age of eight, I had started training with “Bandha Nrutya”, an  acrobatic dance form under the guidance of Guru Gangadhar Nayka at Anandapur, Keonjhar, Orissa. I was mesmerized and my eyes filled with a new future, when I saw the Odissi dance performance of Late. Padamshree Smt. Sanjukta Panigrahi. She danced abhinaya "Mali mala Shyamaku debi”, which motivated me towards the right path and grace of Odissi which followed me to a beautiful long stint at Odissi Research Centre and ever since, I have been a disciple of Padmabibhusan Guru Sri Kelucharan Mohapatra. I have been a professional dancer for forty years and few things have given me so much fulfillment as Performer and Choreographer of Odissi.

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Gunjan Dance Academy has brought with it a bunch of responsibilities- as a performer, as a teacher, as a choreographer & as an administrator. Along with that with the blessings of Lord I have been able to balance my professional and my family life efficiently. In this artistic journey there have been moments of success and challenges which I overcome with the great support, encouragement and enthusiasm of my little family, well-wishers and art lovers.

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I wish to carry my Guru’s legacy to the next generation without compromising the root and traditional values of this Dance Style. I dream to popularize Odissi Dance to the nook and corners of the world. As the name  Gunjan Suggests (the musical vibration…) will reach everywhere through me, my students & my work…