As we mark the 31st consecutive year of the Guru Kelucharan Mohapatra Award Festival, we do so with profound humility and deep gratitude - for we are, once again, the recipients of an irreplaceable treasure: the timeless legacy of an ancient tradition of dance and music. It is the sacred inheritance passed down by my father and our revered Guruji, a gift of knowledge, discipline, and devotion - one that surpasses all worldly fortunes.
Reflecting upon these 31 years, the path has been both demanding and rewarding - a tapestry of tireless effort, introspection, and joy. Since Guruji's passing in 2004, I have shouldered the multifaceted responsibilities of leading Srjan, navigating its daily rhythms, exploring new terrains in choreography, performing solo and with my ensemble across India and abroad, and anchoring this cherished annual festival in his memory.
Whatever I have been able to accomplish in this creative odyssey is not mine alone. The credit belongs, in no small measure, to my dedicated and committed team. That Srjan today stands as a beacon of excellence and professionalism in the world of Odissi is a direct reflection of the collective endeavour of the entire Srjan family. From the choreographer to the dancers, from the light designer, scriptwriter, and music composer to the musicians, technical crew, and support staff - each individual plays an integral role in transforming a concept into a living, breathing performance on stage.
I offer my heartfelt thanks to the Odissi fraternity, to all past and present ensemble members, to the countless disciples of Guruji, to the people of Odisha, and to our supporters and audiences worldwide. Your unwavering affection, respect, and appreciation continue to sustain and inspire us.
With reverence and love, the Srjan family and I dedicate this 31st edition of the Guru Kelucharan Mohapatra Award Festival to the towering artistic spirit of our Guruji, whose legacy we are honoured to uphold and carry forward.
Founded in 1993 by the legendary Guru Kelucharan Mohapatra, Srjan has remained steadfast in its commitment to nurturing and celebrating India's classical arts. Paramount among its many initiatives is the annual Guru Kelucharan Mohapatra Award Festival, instituted in 1995. Conceived by Ratikant Mohapatra, this festival is a heartfelt tribute to Guruji's enduring compassion for his fellow artistes across Dance, Theatre, Music, and Cinema.
What began as a single-day event has, over the last 31 years, blossomed into a five-day cultural landmark. The festival brings together world-renowned artistes and emerging talents in an eclectic blend of classical and semi-classical traditions, showcasing excellence in Hindustani, Carnatic, and regional art forms.
It is widely acknowledged that the legendary Guru Kelucharan Mohapatra was instrumental-almost single-handedly-in resurrecting the classical dance form of Odissi from the brink of extinction. From humble beginnings as an impoverished mason, he rose to become one of India's most revered cultural icons, honoured with the Padma Vibhushan for his unparalleled contribution to Odissi dance. A master performer, choreographer, and visionary, Guruji devoted his life to the spiritual and artistic elevation of this sacred art form, imbuing it with aesthetic grace and profound depth.
What began as a single-day event has, over the last 31 years, blossomed into a five-day cultural landmark. The festival brings together world-renowned artistes and emerging talents in an eclectic blend of classical and semi-classical traditions, showcasing excellence in Hindustani, Carnatic, and regional art forms.
Srjan derives its inspiration from the fountainhead of Odissi dance of our times - Guru Kelucharan Mohapatra. In his own life, Guruji demonstrated an unparalleled dedication to his craft, to his performance, and to his students. In instituting the Yuva Pratibha Samman, Srjan's primary focus is to revive the all-important role of the solo dancer in the classical idiom; it is the solo performance in Indian classical dance which unveils the very soul of the dance and brings to life the individual brilliance that the dancer lives and strives for, constantly. The effort is to instill a continuing sense of purpose in the young dancer, a determination to overcome all odds, to push oneself to the very peak of perfection, time after time. The award carries a cash award of Rs. 25,000/- and a citation.