Celebrated Odissi Dancer Arupa Gayatri Panda Receives Ustad Bismillah Khan Yuva Puraskar-2022
Feature: Odissi dance, with its spiritual grandeur and timeless allure, has been an integral part of India’s cultural landscape for centuries. Continuing this rich legacy is Arupa Gayatri Panda, a distinguished Odissi dancer based in Bhubaneswar, whose remarkable talent and dedication have earned her widespread acclaim. Recently selected by the Sangeet Natak Akademi to receive the esteemed Ustad Bismillah Khan Yuva Puraskar-2022, Arupa’s journey epitomizes the essence of Odissi’s enduring charm.
Renowned for her dynamic performances and expressive artistry, Arupa has consistently been recognized as one of the most promising young Odissi dancers of her generation. With over two decades of experience in teaching Odissi dance, Arupa has also showcased her artistry on prestigious global platforms, spanning across America, Canada, Europe, Asia, and the Middle East. Her performances have not only promoted Odissi dance but also served as a cultural ambassador for Odia traditions and heritage.
Currently serving as a faculty member at the Department of Visual & Performing Arts at Sri Sri University, Arupa’s influence extends beyond the stage as she imparts her knowledge and passion for Odissi to aspiring dancers. Additionally, she runs her own Odissi dance institution, ‘Nrutya Rupa,’ nurturing the next generation of Odissi enthusiasts.
In a candid conversation with Ommcom News, Arupa shared her profound connection to Odissi, attributing it to her lifelong devotion to Lord Jagannath. For Arupa, Odissi dance transcends mere performance; it is a spiritual journey that allows her to communicate with the divine. Recounting the words of renowned dance personality Ritha Devi, who likened her performance to that of a ‘mahari’ dancing before Lord Jagannath, Arupa’s dedication to her artistry is evident in every graceful movement and poignant expression.
Arupa’s journey in Odissi dance traces back to her childhood, where her passion for dance blossomed under the guidance of esteemed mentors like Puspa Ranjan Mangraj and Sarita Mishra. Her formative years at the Odisha Dance Academy, under the tutelage of the late Padmashree Gangadhar Pradhan and eminent Odissi exponents like Guru Madhusmita Mohanty and Aruna Mohanty, laid the foundation for her stellar career.
Acknowledging the significance of the Ustad Bismillah Khan Yuva Puraskar-2022, Arupa expressed gratitude for the recognition, viewing it as a culmination of her collective efforts and the unwavering support of her mentors, peers, and well-wishers. With humility and determination, she pledges to uphold the values of Odissi dance, continuing to enrich the world with her artistry and devotion.
