Bhubaneswar: A globetrotter, young and talented Odissi dancer, Pravata Kumar Swain has added another feather to his cap as he received covetous Bismillah Khan Yuva Puraskar from Union Minister for Culture, Tourism and DoNER, G Kishan Reddy at Meghdoot Theatre complex, Rabindra Bhavan, New Delhi, on February 15.
Born to Mr Narasingha Swain and Sisula Swain, residents of Dimirisena village in Puri district, Pravata was introduced to the art world when he was just seven. He started learning Gotipua Dance at Chandrasekhar Gotipua Kala Sansad at Dimirisena in Puri district. Inasmuch as he was born in Dimirisena village, a village regarded as a cradle of Gotipua Dance, his learning of Gotipua Dance is well predictable. His dedication and determination endeared him to the gurus there.
He was 15 years old, when he took admission in Orissa Dance Academy and honed his skill under the direct supervision of late Guru Gangadhara Pradhan and watchful eyes of Guru Aruna Mohanty and Guru Manoranjan Pradhan.
Backed by strong willpower to create a niche for himself in the world of Odissi dance, he went on following each and every direction of his gurus. And he is now one of the top most performers of the State.
While he has done Masters degree in Music and M.Phil in Odissi dance, he is presently doing his PhD in Odissi dance at Utkal University of Culture.
While he has performed at several prestigious festivals in India and abroad, he has won several awards as well.
Among the prominent festivals he participated in India are Konark Music and Dance Festival in Konark, Konark Dance Festival in Konark, Mahabalipuram Festival in Chennai, Jayadev Festival in New Delhi, Puri Beach Festival in Puri, Uday Shankar Dance Festival in Kolkata, Natya Viksha Festival in New Delhi, Mumbai Festival in Mumbai and Dhauli Mahotsav.
Similarly, the overseas festivals include 8th Kalanidhi International Festival, Canada; International Odissi Festival in Malaysia, 14th International Festival of Dance & Music, Thailand; Festival of ‘Days of India in Germany’ and Europalia International Art Festival, Brussels; Soorya Festival, Baharin and Sydney Dance Festival, Australia.
Among the prominent awards and honours he has received are Kelucharan Mohapatra Yuva Puraskar, Senior Scholarship, Junior Fellowship and National Youth Award by the Government of India, Nalanda Award (Mumbai), National Youth Award (Pune), State Youth Award (Government of Odisha), Naveen Kalakar Award, Rajiv Gandhi Yuva Puraskar, Aradhana Samman and Nalco Kharavel Award.
He is also an empaneled artiste of ICCR and recognised as a B grade artiste in Bhubaneswar Doordarshan Kendra.
While on the stage, Pravata always makes it a point not to let his connoisseurs down.
Here are some of his best choreographies:
Mangalacharan
Trahi Durga, Pancha Bhuta, Ganesh Vandana and Kali
Pallavi
Bakulavaranam Pallavi and Barsha Pallavi
Abhinaya
Saja Kanja Nayana Kunje, Mita Chahna Re Para, Kadamba Mule Kiye, Mohana Murati, Ki Dekhila Aja Netra, Prana Sangini, Pheri Ja Re Ja Syama, Barsha Sangitam, Kadamba Bane Bansi Bjila Re, Ahe Nila Mani, Ki Nadare, Raga Anuraga, Sarasa Basanta, Hari Rachna, Chalatu Radhe, Manjula Banjula, Kiye Go Bandhila Kala Kunjare, Ekalavya,Sukhila Suada Dekhana.
Dance Drama
Tapoi, Deebimayee, Nabarasa, Paika Bidroha, Jagannath Jatra, Shree Jgannath, Aamrapalli, Hidimba, Sadaripu, Raga Anuraga, Nadi O Nari.
Presently he is running his own Odissi dance institution named ‘Nrutya Naivedya ‘. He established it in the year 2013 with an intention to spread the richness of Odissi.
