Bhubaneswar: Srjan, Odissi Nrityabasa, in collaboration with Guru Kelucharan Mohapatra Odissi Research Centre, celebrated the 96th Birth Anniversary of doyen of Odissi dance, Padmavibhushan awardee Guru Kelucharan Mohapatra at Utkal Ranga Mancha in Bhubaneswar on January 8.
The programme was inaugurated by eminent Odissi dancer and president of Odisha Sangeet Natak Akademi Guru Aruna Mohanty, former Chief Executive, GKCM Odissi Research Centre Dr Sangeeta Gosain, eminent mardal player Guru Dhaneswar Swain and director, Srjan, Guru Ratikanta Mohapatra.
Srjan ensemble paid their homage to Guruji through a bouquet of mesmerizing choreographies specially designed for this occasion by Guru Ratikant Mohapatra.
Keeping the legacy intact, Guru Ratikant Mohapatra choreographed two unique pieces, specially for the occasion. “Bho Sambho” a prayer to Lord Shiva, penned by Swami Dayanand Saraswati, comes with an exploration of the multifarious facets of Lord Shiva, who offers a unique dichotomy to the Hindu pantheon. Shiva presents a simultaneous austerity and worldly indulgences. He is the Adiyogi and also Nataraja. This striking diversity of Shiva’s attributes were marvellously presented by the Srjan ensemble, who are extremely well groomed by Guru Ratikant Mohapatra.
The dancers did credit to Guru Ratikant Mohapatra by performing the item with perfection, leaving the audience glued to their seats.
The following item was “Meera” which is inspired by sinuous dance movements and explores the sheer joy of dancing without being bound by the strictness of grammar. Every dance is unique and flourishes in the sui generis of the dancer’s body. It is indeed overwhelming to see how each dancer of the Srjan ensemble retains their individuality in group works without diverging from the choreography and in sync with the other dancers. Srjan has always strived for excellence and presents works of global standards at par with any international dance company.
The second half of the evening witnessed an engrossing flute and sarod jugalbandi by Sri Jabahar Mishra and Dr Sandeep Kumar Raut with Tabla accompaniment by Subhransu Sekhar Sahoo. The recital commenced with Raga Gorarakha Kalyan set to Mata Tala and Dhrut Teen Taal and the second presentation was the popular Bhajan “Raghupati Raghava Raja Ram” set to Raga Mishra Pilu and Tala Dipchandi and Kaharva.
The musicians created a magical spell and transported the audience to a different world.
Srjan is an internationally reputed dance institution and Guruji’s able protege and son, Guru Ratikant Mohapatra continues in keeping the family of Guru Kelucharan Mohapatra, together and the bin amongst his peers and disciple is pretty evident with number of attendees to commemorate any occasion associated with Guruji’s life and times, be it his birth anniversary or death anniversary of Award ceremony. Guru Ratikant Mohapatra, with his humility and love, makes it a point to call each one personally to grace these occasions. This personal gesture leaves every audience member and invitee with a sense of importance and gratitude as they attend these functions in great numbers.
The emcee of the evening was by Dr. Srinivas Ghatuari.
Photo courtesy: Srjan
