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Bhubaneswar: The 70th birth anniversary of the late Guru Gangadhar Pradhan was held at the Bhanja Kala Mandap in Bhubaneswar, Tuesday.
The event was organised by the Guru Kelu Charan Mohapatra Odissi Research centre. The Nimapada Odissi dance group presented Shiva Panchakam, which was choreographed by Bishnu Charan Samal.
After the Odissi performance students of Gokul Chandra Chhau Dance Academy from Mayurbhanja enthralled the audience with their Natraj performance as well as Tamudia.
Finally the students of Konark Nrutya Mandap performed the Gotipua dance and a musical performance on Chandan Yatra stunning the audience.
Speaking on the occasion chief guest Durga Charan Sahoo said, “Guru Gangadhar Pradhan was one of the pioneers of Gotipua. His teachings have made Odisha famous.”
“Guruji was a man of immense talent and it’s our duty to protect Odissi legacy in its true form,” said Sangeeta Gosian, the CEO of Guru Kelucharan Mohapatra Odissi Research Centre.
Sangeeta Gosain, Durga Charan Sahoo, Guru Ramani Ranjan Jena and Guru Gour Mohan Mohanta attended the function.
Odissi Dancer Aruna Mohanty: For me Guru Gangadhar Pradhan was an institution who built Odissi and Gotipua dance in its true form. Today whatever dance programmes are being organised in the city is due to his efforts. Today he is no more, but he will always remain my beloved Guru.
Odissi Dancer Prativa Panda: I had the opportunity to learn from him. His aesthetics, Bhava and Abhinaya always cast a spell on every learner, and I am no different. He was one of the finest Gotipua Guru we ever had.
Odissi dancer Sonali Mohapatra: He is the guru of gurus and he never ever had any airs about himself. He was so humble that he never lost his cool while teaching. Nowadays whatever fame Gotipua dancers are getting is due to him. He will always remain the father of Gotipua.
