GURU PANKAJ CHARAN DAS
Guru Pankaj Charan Das was the senior most among the first generation of Odissi Gurus. He was the only Guru of his tradition and style who was born in a Mahari (Devdasi) family on 7th March , 1925. As a creative genius Guru Pankaj Charan enriched Odissi on many ways with new compositions having lofty ideals. He introduced ‘Jagannathastak’ of Shankaryacharya in Manglacharan.
For his significant contribution to the field of Odissi dance he received the Central Sangeet Natak Academy Award in 1970 , the Orissa Sangeet Natak Academy Award in 1971 and Padmashree Award by the Govt. of India . Guru Pankaj Charan Das nourished a style of his own which is extremely graceful and lyrical suited to the Odissi tradition.
GURU KELU CHARAN MOHAPATRA
Among the Odissi Gurus of the past and the present generation Guru Kelucharan Mohapatra stood eminent as the highest Guru. For his devotional work in the field of Odissi for over five decades Guru Kelucharan became a legendry figure. As a creative genius he has choreographed the maximum number of Pallavis, Abhinayas and dance dramas in Odissi style. He specialized in rendering the Asthapadis of Geet Govind. His excellence in playing Mardala (Odissi Pakhawaj) was an added advantage for his creativity.
For his illustrious contribution to Odissi Guru Kelucharan received Central Sangeet Natak Academy Award in 1966, Orissa Sangeet Natak Academy Award in 1967, Kalidas Samman in 1987, and Padmbhushan in 1988, Padmavibhushan in 2000 and Shankaradeva Award in 2001. He passed away on 7th April , 2004.
GURU DEBAPRASAD DAS
Late Guru Debaprasad Das was born in the year 1932 in the village of Kantpada of Cuttack district. He had his early lessons in Odissi Dance and Odissi Music fron his grandfather. While studying at Puri he had his further training in Odissi dance from Mohan Mohapatra and in Odissi Music from Singhari Shyamsundar Kar. Guru Debaprasad was a promoter of a particular style. He is responsible for creating a number of new items like Naba Rasa and Asta Sambhu.
Of all the Odissi Gurus he has the largest number of disciples. For his significant contribution to the field of Odissi Dance he received The Orissa Sangeet Natak Academy Award in 1975 and the The Central Sangeet Natak Academy Award during the year 1978. He joined Utkal Sangeet Mahavidyala in 1964 as a Guru in Odissi dance and in the year 1986 July 16th he untimely passed away by heart attack.
GURU MAHAYADHAR ROUT
Among the people who worked sincerely for the revival of Odissi dance Guru Mhayadhar Rout was one of them. At one time Abhinaya in Odissi was very simple and straight. It is he who worked Sanchary Bhava in the Abhinaya in Odissi which was later followed by all other Gurus.
For his sincere work and contribution to the field Shri Raut received The Orissa Sangeet Natak Academy Award in 1977, Utkal Prativa Puruskar in 1984and Sangeet Natak Academy Award in 1986. Besides, he has been honoured by many cultural institutions .
GURU SHARON LOWEN
Guru Sharon Lowen has bridged cultures, performing on every continent as well as for television and film in several countries. She carries the tradition forward with over new 25 choreographies. A visiting professor, scholar and presenter of seminars, exhibitions and other artistes, she came to India with a Filbright and later American Institute of India Studies Fellowships for Manipuri, Odissi, and Chhau. She received her training in Odissi from Padmavibhusan Guru Kelucharan Mohapatra, the undisputed master and architect of the contemporary Odissi repertoire.
