Manasi Pandya

🪔 About

Manasi Pandya Raghunandan, born on April 30, 1985, in Baroda, Gujarat, is a distinguished Indian classical dancer proficient in both Odissi and Bharatanatyam. She commenced her Bharatanatyam training at a young age, undergoing rigorous instruction for 15 years under her parents, Shri Sharad Pandya and Smt. Niru Pandya, at their institution, "Purva School of Bharatanatyam" in Baroda. She further honed her Bharatanatyam skills under Guru Smt. Jaya Chandrashekar in Chennai. Her journey into Odissi began after being captivated by the form at a dance festival in Orissa when she was 13, subsequently receiving training from the late Guru Shri Gangadhar Pradhan. Academically accomplished, Manasi Pandya Raghunandan holds a Diploma in Bharatanatyam from Maharaja Sayajirao University, Baroda, and a 'Kovida' (Diploma) in Odissi from Nalanda Dance Research Centre, Mumbai. She earned a 'Nritya Visharad' (B.A. in Bharatanatyam) with a gold medal and distinction, and an 'Alankar' (M.A. in Bharatanatyam). She also possesses a 'Visharad' in Odissi from Akhil Bharatiya Gandharva Mandal, Bhubaneswar. Furthering her education, she obtained a Master's degree in Odissi from Rabindra Bharti University, Kolkata, and a PhD in Performing Arts from Mumbai University under Nalanda Nrityakala Mahavidhyalaya. Beyond her performing career, Manasi is a dedicated teacher, researcher, art critic, and author. She serves as the President of Abhivyakti Dance Center in Bangalore and is a co-founder of Abhivyakti Cultural Trust. She is also the Regional Director of the Indira Gandhi National Centre for the Arts (IGNCA), Regional Centre in Thrissur, Kerala, under the Ministry of Culture, Government of India. Her literary contributions include the books "J'aime Francais" and "Odissi, A Way of Life." She has performed and conducted workshops globally, including in Spain, France, Russia, Brazil, and the USA, and her performances have been featured on the Discovery Channel. Awards & Honours: National Scholarship in Bharatanatyam, State-level dance competition winner, All India Dance Competition winner, Felicitated on International Women's Day (2005), Felicitated, Young Talent in Performing Arts (2006), Nrithya Vilasini, Purva Ratna, Bharatashree, Dancing Queen, National Award for Excellence in Odissi, Gold Medal for Nritya Visharad (B.A. in Bharatanatyam), Gold Medal for Alankar (M.A. in Bharatanatyam).