Hari krishna Behera

🪔 About

Guru Harekrishna Behera was a distinguished Indian classical dance exponent, primarily celebrated for his profound contributions to Odissi dance. Born in 1931 in the village of Buani (also referred to as Buanl) in Balasore district, Odisha, he was drawn to dance from a young age. His initial training encompassed Gotipua and Mahari styles of Odissi under gurus such as Shri Ramhari Behera, Shri Shriram Chandra Dey, and Shri Ramchandra Mahapatra. He also delved into Odissi music, learning Champu, Chhanda Tabla, Bhajan, and Chhota Khayal, and later had many compositions to his credit in Pallabi, Abhinaya, and Mangalacharan. Behera moved to Balasore in 1952, where he began his teaching career at Nrutya Sangeet Kala Mandir as a dance teacher. In 1957, he furthered his Odissi studies at Kala Vikash Kendra, Cuttack, under eminent masters including Guru Kelucharan Mohapatra. His pursuit of knowledge led him to Delhi in 1964, where he received scholarships from the Culture Ministry and the Odisha Sangeet Natak Akademi to learn Kathak from Pandit Birju Maharaj at Kathak Kendra. Concurrently, he studied Pakhawaj under Shri Purushottam Das and Thumri singing under Smt. Sidheswari Devi. Guru Harekrishna Behera is widely credited as a pioneer in propagating Odissi outside Odisha, particularly in New Delhi. In 1964, he established 'Nritya Niketan', considered the first Odissi school in Delhi. Later, in 1976, he founded his own institution, 'Odissi Kendra', which was formally registered in 1981, dedicated to teaching and promoting Odissi. He also taught at prominent institutions like Gandharva Mahavidyalaya (1971-1979) and Sri Rama Bharatiya Kala Kendra (1974). He traveled extensively, conducting workshops and imparting training in Odissi across numerous countries. He also established the Guru Harekrushna Behera College of Art and Culture in his native village. Guru Harekrishna Behera passed away in New Delhi on June 24, 2012, at the age of 81, following a cardiac arrest. He is survived by his wife Padmabati and three daughters, Kavita Dwibedi, Kaveri, and Kalyani. Awards & Honours: All India Critic's Award (1981), Odisha Sangeet Natak Akademi Award (1983), Sahitya Kala Parishad Award (1990), Nritamani Award (1991), International Development Award (1999), Sangeet Natak Akademi Award (2003), Guru Kelucharan Mohapatra Award.