Bhubaneswar: In a spellbinding evening celebrating the enduring elegance of Odissi, Sṛjan – Guru Kelucharan Mohapatra Odissi Nrityabasa presented its annual student showcase, Upasaraṇam 2025, at Rabindra Mandap, Bhubaneswar. Aptly titled “Upasaraṇam”—moving towards excellence, the event highlighted the institution’s unwavering commitment to classical dance training, performance, and creativity since its inception in 1993.
The programme commenced punctually at 7 PM with distinguished guests lighting the ceremonial lamp. Among them were noted musician and percussionist Abanikant Das, Director of the Guru Pankaj Charan Odissi Research Foundation Sarat Das, renowned sitarist Rabishankar Pradhan, eminent Odia journalist and poet Kedar Mishra, and Sṛjan Director and Dean at Sri Sri University, Ratikant Mohapatra. The evening was elegantly compered by Dr. Mrutyunjaya Rath, whose narration added depth and context to the performances.
The evening opened with Niladrou Sankha-Madhye (Jagannatha Vandana), a spiritual invocation to Lord Jagannath. This renewed group choreography by Daina Ghose, based on Ratikant Mohapatra’s original, was performed with grace and devotion by young dancers including Aaradhya, Aayesha, and others. Their stage presence radiated the sanctity and energy of the divine shloka.
Following this, the audience was treated to Shantakaram Bhujagashayanam (Vishnu Vandana), choreographed by Ratikant Mohapatra and recomposed for the group by senior ensemble member Sanjaya Kumar Behera. The dancers showcased poise and depth beyond their years, as they brought alive the spiritual cadence of the Vishnu Sahasranamam.
The third presentation, Vakratunda Mahakaya, an ode to Lord Vinayaka, was performed with symmetry and vibrancy by a group of dancers guided by Aishwariya Singhdev. Set to the music of legendary flautist Pt. Hariprasad Chaurasia, the composition was marked by fluid formations and youthful exuberance.
A rare treat for classical connoisseurs followed with Gatibheda Pallavi, one of the most intricate choreographies of Guru Kelucharan Mohapatra from 1968. Renowned for its rhythmic complexity and melodic variations, the piece was recreated for the evening by Preetisha Mohapatra. The ensemble, comprising 15 dancers, executed the demanding piece with crisp footwork and measured grace, evoking the legacy of the original maestro.
Spiritual devotion continued with Nagendra Haraya, the revered Shiva Panchakshara Stotram composed by Adi Shankaracharya. Originally choreographed by Guru Kelucharan Mohapatra to Pt. Bhubaneswar Mishra’s music, this rendition was recomposed by G. Sanjay and brought to life by a dedicated group of dancers, who performed with solemnity and reverence.
The final performance, Nachanti Range Sri Hari, a joyful Odia abhinaya celebrating Lord Krishna’s dance with the Gopis, brought the evening to a jubilant close. Choreographed by Guru Kelucharan Mohapatra and set to Pt. Bhubaneswar Mishra’s music, this piece was recomposed by senior faculty Rajashri Praharaj. The ensemble of young dancers delivered it with verve and energy, vividly capturing Krishna’s Ananda Tandava in rhythmic harmony.
The seamless orchestration of the evening’s events was made possible by Debiprassad Mishra’s masterful light design, which accentuated every nuance and gesture on stage. The event exemplified how Sṛjan continues to nurture young talent with rigorous training while fostering an abiding respect for the classical arts.
Upasaraṇam 2025 was not just a student showcase; it was a reaffirmation of the timeless values of discipline, dedication, and artistic devotion. Through the committed efforts of its faculty, alumni, ensemble members, and students, Sṛjan continues to uphold the rich tradition of Odissi and inspire future generations to embrace art as a way of life.
