Bhubaneswar: The 78th birth anniversary of renowned Odissi maestro and Padma Shri awardee Guru Gangadhar Pradhan was celebrated with great reverence and cultural splendour here on Friday.The programme was jointly organised by the Guru Kelucharan Mohapatra Odissi Research Centre and the Guru Gangadhar Pradhan Foundation, Konark Natya Mandap, to commemorate the legendary artiste’s invaluable contribution to Odissi dance and Odisha’s cultural heritage.The celebration brought together eminent personalities, artistes, scholars and art lovers who paid tribute to Guru Gangadhar Pradhan, whose vision and efforts played a significant role in promoting Odissi on the national and international stage.The programme featured a series of cultural performances showcasing Odisha’s rich artistic traditions. Flautist Soumya Ranjan Joshi presented a recital, while Guru Manoranjan Pradhan and Minati Pradhan enthralled the audience with an Odissi duet. A traditional tribal dance performance by Jeypore Kalakendra of Koraput added colour and vibrancy to the event.Speakers during the event highlighted Guru Gangadhar Pradhan’s pioneering role in cultural education, institution-building and the preservation of Indian classical arts. They noted that his vision of celebrating Odisha’s cultural heritage throughout the year continues to inspire generations of artistes and cultural organisations.
