Bhubaneswar: Odisha on Thursday commemorated the 100th birth anniversary of legendary Odissi maestro and Padma Vibhusan awardee Guru Kelucharan Mohapatra, with cultural programmes and tributes held across the state to honour his enduring legacy.
Chief Minister Mohan Charan Majhi hailed the iconic dancer as the very “essence of Odissi,” noting that Guru Kelucharan embodied the spirit of Odisha and its cultural identity.
Leader of Opposition Naveen Patnaik credited the legendary guru with elevating Odissi to international recognition, while Odisha Pradesh Congress Committee president Bhakta Charan Das said his contributions continue to shape and enrich the state’s artistic heritage.
The chief minister participated in the state-level centenary event at the Guru Kelucharan Mohapatra Odissi Research Centre in Bhubaneswar, where he inaugurated a three-day art and photography exhibition titled Kelucharan Kirti Shatakam.
The exhibition has been curated by the Department of Odia Language, Literature and Culture to showcase the life, artistry and influence of the maestro.
Addressing the audience, Majhi said Guru Kelucharan Mohapatra played a decisive role in reviving Odissi at a time when the dance form was struggling for recognition. By drawing inspiration from Jagannath culture, the Mahari tradition, and classical as well as folk elements, he helped shape Odissi into a refined classical art form, the chief minister added.
Odia Language, Literature and Culture Minister Suryavanshi Suraj said Guru Kelucharan’s lifelong dedication transformed Odissi from a stage performance into a deeply spiritual experience. He informed that the centenary celebrations under Kelucharan Kirti Shatakam are being organised from January 8 to 10 at the Odissi Research Centre and Rabindra Mandap.
As part of the programme, the minister also released a short documentary highlighting the life and artistic journey of Guru Kelucharan Mohapatra, along with the evolution of the Odissi Research Centre.
Born on January 8, 1926, Guru Kelucharan Mohapatra passed away on April 7, 2004. In recognition of his immense contribution to Indian classical dance, he became the first Odia to receive the Padma Vibhusan in the year 2000.
Several eminent Odissi dancers, including Padma Shri awardees Priyambada Hejmadi, Kumkum Mohanty and Madhavi Mudgal, along with Guru Ratikant Mohapatra and other leading artistes, performed and took part in the centenary celebrations.
