Meera Das

🪔 About

Guru Smt. Meera Das is a distinguished and eminent Odissi dancer and guru, celebrated for her authentic renditions and unique recitals that embody poetry in motion. Her journey in dance began early, initially excelling in Bandha Nrutya, a folk dance form involving acrobatic movements, under the tutelage of Guru Gangadhar Nayak. Her profound love for music and dance led her to the Odissi Research Centre, where her intrinsic talents flourished under the guidance of legendary masters Padmabhusan Kelucharan Mohapatra and Guru Gangadhar Pradhan. Meera Das has had an extensive performing career, presenting solo and troupe recitals across India and in over 60 countries across seven continents. Notable international performances include North Korea in 1990, Germany in 1992, and Indonesia in 1993. She is recognized as an 'A' grade artist by Doordarshan and is an empanelled artist of the Indian Council for Cultural Relations (ICCR). Dedicated to preserving the purity of traditional Odissi, she has choreographed more than 30 new dance items and 17 dance dramas. Beyond dance, Meera Das is also a successful music composer and vocalist. In 1995, Guru Meera Das founded the Gunjan Dance Academy in Cuttack, Odisha, with the mission to impart advanced training and create the next generation of dedicated Odissi dancers. The academy, which has received ICCR recognition, trains over 300 students and has established branches in various parts of India and abroad, including Kolkata, Raipur, Hyderabad, Bangalore, Dubai, and the USA. Gunjan Dance Academy also organizes the national-level Gunjan Dance & Music Festival annually in Cuttack, promoting classical arts. Many of her students have become established dancers and teachers, carrying forward her guru's legacy. Awards & Honours: Dancer of young generation (1999), Odissa Prativa (2001), Felicitation (2002), 8th Mahari Award (2002), Urvasi (2002), 5th Babita Smriti Samman (2002), Nritya Samman (2002), Ruchi Kala Samman (2002), State Sangeet Natak Academy Award, Sanjukta Panigrahi Samman, Outstanding Senior Artist, Top National Artist.