Bhubaneswar: The 1st Prabasi Nrutya Sangam program, a collaborative effort by the Directorate of Odisha Paribar, Nritya Sadhana (USA), and with the support of the Guru Kelucharan Mahapatra Odissi Research Centre, Bhubaneswar, unfolded today at Rabindra Mandap, emphasizing the profound contributions of artists and gurus to the world of Odissi dance.
Padmashree Kumkum Mohanty, a luminary in the realm of Odissi, received the prestigious 1st Prabasi Nrutya Sangam Lifetime Achievement Award for her monumental dedication to the art form. The International Icon Award was conferred upon Padmashree Aruna Mohanty, recognizing her global impact, while Jyoti Rout was honored with the Prabasi Nrutya Guru Award for his significant contributions to the evolution of Odissi.
In addition to honoring stalwarts, the event acknowledged and encouraged young talents. The Prabasi Yuva Pratibha Award was presented to Tapasya Ray, a student of Nrityasadhana from the USA, and the Yuva Award was conferred upon Preetisha Mohapatra from Odisha.
The cultural extravaganza featured captivating performances by renowned Odissi exponents and their dance groups. The Jodi Sankha troupe from Narendrapur and the Gotipua group from Brahmagiri added a vibrant touch to the celebration, showcasing the diversity and richness of Odissi dance.