Bhubaneswar: 13-year-old Odissi prodigy Ananya Jugade from Bhubaneswar, Odisha has danced her way into history, becoming the youngest Odissi dance ever invited to speak and perform on the TEDx platform.
A student of Std VIII at ODM Public School, Bhubaneswar, Ananya, daughter of Amol Jugade and Sonal Jugade, Ananya, was among the 14 trailblazing voices under the thought-provoking theme ‘Roots to Rise: Empowering Youth with Heritage for a Sustainable Future of Viksit Bharat’ at TEDx, hosted at Amity University, Noida.
But her presence was more than symbolic; it was deeply stirring.Channeling the living spirit of Odisha, Ananya offered more than a performance — she offered a perspective. With grace far beyond her years, she revealed how ancient knowledge can light the way forward in a rapidly changing world.
A disciple of eminent Odissi danseuse Guru Smt Sonali Mohapatra, she delivered a powerful message that that resonated deeply with the vision of a developed India. Her words echoed through the auditorium: “My generation is being handed the biggest problems in history… but the secret to survival is not new. It’s just old. My dance, Odissi, is a 2000-year-old secret for balance. The key to rising to a sustainable future is not looking forward. It’s remembering our roots.”
She brought this philosophy to life through a spellbinding Dashavatar presentation, portraying the ten avatars of Lord Vishnu as the ten stages of life’s evolution — a poetic reflection of India’s own journey toward sustainable growth and enlightened progress.
Honouring her exceptional artistry and thought leadership, Ananya was formally felicitated by Prof. (Dr.) Alpana Kakkar, Dean of Student Support & Academic Affairs, and Dr. Sanjeev Bansal, Additional Pro Vice Chancellor, Amity University Uttar Pradesh.She was presented with a memento, the Holy Bhagavad Gita, the book “Ikigai”, and a special TEDx event kit, marking a memorable milestone in her artistic journey.
The 4th edition of TEDx Amity University Noida was supported by distinguished media partners DD News (Sanskar Bharati) and radio partner Akashvani (Vividh Bharati), extending the reach of its message across the nation.
Ananya Jugade’s presence at TEDx stands as a compelling reminder: as the world races toward a digital tomorrow, true balance is found by those who stay firmly connected to their roots.
TEDx is a global initiative that brings the spirit of TED’s “ideas worth spreading” to local communities through independently organized events. TEDx platforms showcase inspiring speakers, artists, innovators, and changemakers, offering powerful ideas that spark dialogue, inspire action, and create meaningful impact — locally and globally.
No stranger to accolades, Ananya has been learning Odissi since last five years and performing at several prestigious festivals and receiving awards and accolades. Her growing list of honours include the 18 Under 18 Awards from The Telegraph Online Edugraph, the National Scholarship in Odissi Dance from the Ministry of Culture, Govt. of India, the Suravi Prativa Samman for securing first position in Suravi Prativa Anwesana 2025, Debaprava Award, Makar Samman 2025, Nritya Shree Award, Dr. Snehaprava Samantray National Odissi Dance Award, Nrutya Kalabhushan Bal Puraskar, and many others.
