Guru Dr. Gajendra Kumar Panda

Introduction

Odissi Dance Guru, Performer, Researcher, Choreographer
Director, Tridhara

Guru Dr. Gajendra Kumar Panda is a distinguished Odissi dance exponent, choreographer, researcher, and teacher whose life has been devoted to the promotion and dissemination of Odissi dance. He is widely respected for preserving and expanding the artistic legacy of Guru Debaprasad Das.

Renowned for his mastery of Sabdaswara-Patta and his ability to create stunning sculptural choreography inspired by temple architecture, Dr. Panda’s work reflects both deep tradition and innovative creativity.

He has been honoured with numerous prestigious recognitions including the Odisha Sangeet Natak Akademi Award, Senior Fellowship from the Ministry of Culture, Government of India, and an Honorary Doctorate from the Hindustan Art and Music Society, Kolkata.

Dr. Panda is also an ICCR-qualified Odissi Dance Teacher and Performer for international assignments and an empanelled “B High grade” artist of Doordarshan. Through performances, choreography, research, and teaching, he continues to inspire generations of dancers in India and abroad.

Dance Career

Guru Gajendra Kumar Panda was born in 1966 in Lokanathpur village of Ganjam district, Odisha. His artistic journey began at the age of nine when he trained as a Sakhipila under Guru Raghunath Purohit. At the age of eleven, he came under the tutelage of the legendary Guru Debaprasad Das, whose guidance shaped his artistic vision.

Growing up in the culturally vibrant region of Ganjam helped him develop strong skills in music, rhythm, and memorization of dance compositions. These abilities proved invaluable during his training in Debaprasad Das’s Gurukul tradition.

Dr. Panda holds the degrees of Nrutya Visharad and Nrutya Alankar from Akhil Bharatiya Gandharva Mahavidyalaya Mandal, Mumbai. Over the years he has led several dance institutions, academies, and training centres, nurturing countless disciples. Today he leads Tridhara, where he continues to choreograph, teach, and perform Odissi dance at the highest level.

Tridhara and Guru Gajendra Panda

Tridhara stands as a pioneering institution dedicated to preserving the unique Debaprasad Gharana of Odissi dance. Having begun his training under Guru Debaprasad Das at the age of eleven, Guru Gajendra Panda carries forward the lineage with dedication and innovation.

Fondly known as “Gaji”, he blends the graceful lasya and dynamic tandava aspects of dance, integrating folk and tribal influences into classical Odissi choreography.

A defining feature of his style is the sophisticated use of Sabda Swara Patta, a technique inherited from his Guru. Through workshops and seminars, he emphasizes the traditional “Aadaan-Pradaan” (exchange of knowledge) approach that lies at the heart of classical dance pedagogy. Under his leadership, Tridhara has presented performances at major festivals across India and internationally.

Choreographies

Major Odissi Dance Productions

Jaya Ram
Ganjam Odissi
Kusumanjali
Night of Purnima
Jagannath Ballav Nataka
Odissi Lives
Dances of India
Mother India
Purush
Basant Madhava
Timeless Journey
Krishna: Love Re-Invented
Darpana
Adoration
Incarnations: Re-Living Odissi
Angarag
Bande Mataram
Siva Nataraj
Krishnaya Tubhyam Namah
Vision of Forever
Spellbound
Gananayaka
Shree Jagannath Astaka
Jugalabandi
Mahalaxmi Astaka

Odissi Dance Dramas

Prahallad
Ramayan
Gandharira Abhisapa
Shree Geeta Govinda
Sakhi Gopinath
Dani Karna
Sabitri
Jagannath Mahima
Shree Buddha
Kanchi Vijaya
Manabhanjan
Raja Ambarisha
Banshi Pradana
Bashantarasha
Lavanyavati

Productions for National Television

Guru Gajendra Panda has created numerous productions for television including:

Phula (Flower)
Brukhya Amara Bandhu
Krishna in Odissi
35 Patriotic Song Productions
24 Odissi Dance Dramas
94 Special Productions for Doordarshan
13 Live Telecast Performances on DD Bharati

Research and Publications

Research

Dr. Panda has undertaken extensive research in Odissi dance including:

Prahallad Natak
Sabdaswarapatta
Sangeeta Nata
Mrudanga Badya
Krishna in Odissi Dance
Legacy of Guru Debaprasad Das
Lord Jagannath and Odissi Dance
Interfacing: Evolution of Odissi Dance
South Asian Dance and Postcolonial Identity Construction

He has received both Junior and Senior Fellowships from the Ministry of Culture, Government of India for his research.

Publications

Editor of the journal Mudra
Editorial Advisor of Angarag (15 editions)
Author of over 100 research articles in magazines and newspapers
Author of the book “Study on Guru Debaprasad Style of Odissi and its Continuity.”

Notable Performances

Performance Highlights

Over four decades, Guru Dr. Gajendra Kumar Panda has presented Odissi dance at prestigious national festivals, international cultural platforms and classical dance events across India and abroad, contributing significantly to the promotion and global recognition of Odissi.

Notable Performance Highlights

1996 — Performance at the internationally acclaimed Konark Dance Festival, Odisha.
2000 — Participation in the Purush Ang Odissi Dance Festival organised by Sangeet Natak Akademi, New Delhi.
2005 — Performance at the renowned Mukteswar Dance Festival organised by Odisha Tourism (Live telecast on DD Bharati).
2007 — Performance at the International Odissi Dance Festival, Bhubaneswar.
2009 — Performance at the prestigious Khajuraho Dance Festival, Madhya Pradesh.
2010 — Performance at the historic Konark Dance Festival, Odisha.
2012 — Participation in the Guinness World Record Event held in Bhubaneswar.
2013 — Performance at the renowned Chakradhar Samaroh, Raigarh.
2013 — Performance at Guru Debaprasad Nrutya Parampara Festival, New Delhi.
2017 — Cultural performance during the Mascot Launch Ceremony of the Asian Athletics Championships 2017, Kalinga Stadium, Bhubaneswar.
2018 — International cultural presentations at Bharat Utsav organised by the High Commission of India in Malaysia.
2019 — Performance at the Guru Kelucharan Mohapatra Award Festival, Bhubaneswar.
2019 — Performance at the Konark Dance Festival.
2024 — Performance at the Lingaraj Festival, Bhubaneswar.
2025 — Performance at the prestigious Taj Mahotsav, Agra.
2026 — Performances at the Mukteswar Dance Festival and Khajuraho Dance Festival.

International Performances & Tours

The artist has represented Indian classical dance internationally through performances, collaborations and cultural festivals across Asia, the United States and the Middle East, contributing to the global recognition of the Odissi dance tradition.

Malaysia

Extensive performances and collaborations with the internationally renowned Sutra Dance Theatre led by Ramli Ibrahim. Major productions include:

1987 — Kusumanjali, Odissi dance production, Kuala Lumpur.
1989 — Night of Poornima, Odissi repertoire.
1994 — International Odissi Dance Tour (Malaysia and Singapore).
1998 — Timeless Journey, Odissi dance production.
2001 — Krishna – Love Re-invented, Kuala Lumpur.
2002 — Darpana, Odissi production with Temple of Fine Arts.
2006 — Incarnations, international Odissi dance production.
2012–2018 — Multiple international tours and performances across Malaysia.
2018 — Cultural performances organised by the High Commission of India in Malaysia in Kuala Lumpur and Ipoh.
2024–2025 — Cultural performances across Malaysia as part of Bharat Sanskriti Yatra.

Japan

2010 — First international Odissi performance tour across Japanese cultural venues.
2015 — Cultural performances and workshops.
2016 — International Odissi performances across Japanese cities.
2018 — Extended international tour (September–November).
2019 — Cultural performances during international festivals.
2023 — International tour across Japanese cultural institutions.
2024 — Performances organised by the Consulate General of India in Wakayama and Aichi Prefecture.

Singapore

1994 — International Odissi Dance Tour.
1995 — Basant Madhava collaborative production.
2011 — Cultural performances and workshops.
2015 — International Odissi performances.
2017 — Cultural tour with multiple performances.
2019 — International cultural performances.

United States

1995 — International Odissi performances in Los Angeles.
1996 — Dances of India tour with renowned classical dancer Indrani Rahman in Chicago and New York.

Middle East

2019 — Cultural performances in Bahrain and Dubai.
2023 — Cultural performances in Dubai during the celebrations of Azadi Ka Amrit Mahotsav.
2025 — Cultural concert in Dubai organised by Hindustan Art and Music Society.

Thailand

2022 — International Odissi performances in Bangkok.
2023 — Cultural performances during the Ganesh Festival.

Decade-wise Performance Highlights

1980–1989

1982 — Participant, National Odissi Dance Festival, Sangeet Natak Akademi.
1983 — Participant, National Craft Mela, B.K. Art College, Bhubaneswar.
1984 — Participant, Odissi and Folk Dance Programme, Department of Culture, Bhubaneswar.
1985 — Participant, Angahar Dance Festival, New Delhi (Gandharva Mahavidyalaya).
1985 — Solo Odissi Dance Presentation, Doordarshan Kendra, New Delhi.
1986 — Research Project: Lord Jagannath and Odissi Dance, supported by the Department of Culture, Government of India.
1987 — International performance of Kusumanjali with Sutra Dance Theatre, Kuala Lumpur.
1988 — Tanjavur Dance Festival, Pondicherry.
1989 — International Tour (Malaysia): Night of Poornima – Odissi dance repertoire.

1990–1999

1990 — National Classical Dance Festival, Salt Lake Stadium, Kolkata.
1991 — Oriya Mahotsav, Visva Bharati University, Santiniketan.
1992 — Visubha Milan Festival, Cuttack.
1993 — Evolution of Odissi Dance, research-based production tracing tribal roots to the contemporary Odissi form.
1994 — International Tour (Malaysia & Singapore).
1995 — International performances of Basant Madhava in Singapore and Los Angeles.
1996 — USA Tour: Dances of India with Indrani Rahman.
1996 — Performance at the Konark Dance Festival.
1997 — Interfacing, collaborative project with artist Dr. Dinanath Pathy.
1997 — Mother India, Odissi and contemporary dance production with Sutra Dance Theatre.
1998 — International Tour (Malaysia): Timeless Journey.
1999 — Gangabataran, collaborative Odissi dance production.

2000–2009

2000 — Purush Ang Odissi Dance Festival, Sangeet Natak Akademi, New Delhi.
2001 — International Tour (Malaysia & Singapore): Krishna – Love Re-invented.
2001 — Deep Mahotsav, Island Tourism Festival, Andaman & Nicobar Islands.
2002 — Krishna in Odissi Dance, telecast on DD National.
2002 — International Tour (Malaysia): Darpana Odissi production.
2003 — Performer–Researcher for UK project New Directions in South Asian Dance.
2003 — Ganga Mahotsav, Varanasi.
2004 — Kosi Mahotsav, Patna.
2005 — Mukteswar Dance Festival.
2006 — International production Incarnations, Malaysia.
2007 — International Odissi Dance Festival, Bhubaneswar.
2007 — Angarag Odissi Dance Festival, New Delhi.
2008 — Baba Baidyanath Vishva Mahotsav, Deoghar.
2009 — Khajuraho Dance Festival.
2009 — Mandu Utsav, Madhya Pradesh.
2009 — Mukteswar Dance Festival.

2010–2019

2010 — Mamallapuram Dance Festival, Tamil Nadu Tourism.
2010 — Konark Dance Festival.
2010 — International Tour (Japan).
2011 — International Tours: Singapore and Malaysia.
2012 — Participation in the Guinness World Record Event.
2012 — Kala Nadam Festival, Bengaluru.
2012 — Closing Ceremony Performance, International Puri Beach Festival.
2013 — Chakradhar Samaroh, Raigarh.
2013 — Guru Debaprasad Nrutya Parampara Festival, New Delhi.
2014–2017 — International Tours: Malaysia, Japan and Singapore.
2017 — Mamallapuram Dance Festival.
2017 — Cultural performance at Asian Athletics Championships 2017.
2018 — Bharat Utsav organised by the High Commission of India in Malaysia.
2018 — Guru Debaprasad Nrutyotsav, Singapore.
2019 — International Tours: Bangkok, Singapore, Japan, Bahrain and Dubai.
2019 — Performance at the Guru Kelucharan Mohapatra Award Festival.
2019 — Konark Dance Festival.

2020–2026

2020–2022 — Performances at Guru Ramahari Das Gurukula Festival, Jagannath Mahotsav, Bharat Sanskriti Yatra, Kalidas Samaroh and Girnar Mahotsav.
2022 — International Tour (Bangkok, Thailand).
2023 — International Tour (Japan).
2023 — Cultural performances in Dubai during Azadi Ka Amrit Mahotsav.
2023 — International performances in Thailand (Ganesh Festival).
2023 — Performances at major festivals including Nritya Sangam (Kolkata), Bharat Sanskriti Utsav (Hyderabad), Guru Debaprasad Nrutya Parampara (New Delhi) and Urjaa Festival (Bhubaneswar).
2024 — International Tour (Japan) organised by the Consulate General of India.
2024 — International Tour (Malaysia) organised by the High Commission of India.
2024 — Performances at Lingaraj Festival, Mahanadi Dance Festival and Chakradhar Samaroh.
2025 — International Tour (Malaysia) – Bharat Sanskriti Yatra cultural performances.
2025 — Cultural concert in Dubai organised by Hindustan Art and Music Society.
2025 — Major performances including Taj Mahotsav (Agra), Guru Debaprasad Award Festival and Naman Festival (Bengaluru).
2026 — Mukteswar Dance Festival.
2026 — Khajuraho Dance Festival.
2026 — Assam Harmony Festival, Guwahati.
2026 — Guru Pranam Utsav, Rabindra Mandap, Bhubaneswar.
2026 — International Women's Day Cultural Celebration, Mayfair Convention Centre, Bhubaneswar.

Notable Achievements

Major Recognitions

Sangeet Natak Akademi Award (State award) from Govt. of Odisha
Honorary Doctorate in the field of Odissi Dance by Hindustan Art and Music Society, Mumbai
Junior & Senior Fellowship from Ministry of Culture, Govt. of India
Qualified Odissi Dance Teacher-cum-Performer for abroad by ICCR
Empanelled “B High grade” artist by Doordarshan

International Awards

Honoured by Dr. Ashakant Nimbark Chair, New York
Honoured by Dowling College, New York
Honoured by Sutra Dance Theatre, Malaysia
Honoured by Indian High Commission, Malaysia
Felicitated with NRUTYA MANI AWARD by Shirdi Sai Baba Society, Malaysia
Felicitated with UMID ASIA BEST EXCELLENCY AWARD
Felicitated with BHARAT SAMSKRUTI YATRA SAMMAN-2019 by Hindusthan Art and Music Society, Dubai
Honoured by Ratha Yatra Odia Society, Bahrain
Honoured with Kalanidhi International Award by Thai-India Theatre Club, Thailand
Felicitated as the Guest of Honour in the Bharat Sanskruti Yatra 561st International Global Festival held at Ajiyal Hall, Dubai

National Awards

Felicitated with GOLDEN JUBILEE AWARD by Gaurang Matha, West Bengal
Honoured by Viswa Bharati University, Santiniketan, West Bengal
Felicitated with NATIONAL AWARD by Chinta O Chetana, Bhubaneswar, Odisha
Felicitated with PRIDE OF INDIA AWARD by Asha Memorial Trust, Odisha
Honoured by Dept. of Tourism, Bihar
Honoured by National Police Academy, Andhra Pradesh
Felicitated with NRUTYASHREE NATIONAL AWARD-2016
Honoured by Gujarat State Sangeet Natak Academy
Honoured by Rabindra Bharati University, Kolkata, West Bengal
Felicitated with 9th RASESWAR SAIKIA BARBIAN SATTRIYA AWARD by Sangeet Sattra, Assam
Conferred with HONORARY DOCTORATE in the field of Odissi Dance by Hindustan Art and Music Society, Mumbai
Felicitated with REWAI AWARD by Aradhana Fine Art Academy, Mumbai, Maharashtra
Felicitated with SARVA BHARATIYA NRITYAM SAMMAN-2019 by Nrityabhash Academy of Performing Arts, Kolkata, West Bengal
Felicitated with GURU SISHYA SAMMAN-2019 by Debadhara, New Delhi
Felicitated with SAMMAN PRATEEK-2019 by Haryana Kala Parisad, Kurukshetra, Haryana
Felicitated with VYSAKHI BEST DANCE FESTIVAL DIRECTOR AWARD by Natraj Music & Dance Academy, Visakhapatnam
Felicitated with UTKRUTSTHA KALA ALANKARAN SAMMAN by Shri Shiva Chatrapati Ganesh Mandal, Dewas, MP
Felicitated with Gopikrishna National Lifetime Achievement Award-2024 by All India Dances Association, Raipur, C.G.
Felicitated as a form of Guru Bhakti in the 16th edition of Swarna samaroha and Ninartisha Nruthyarpanam-2 at Bengaluru
Felicitated at Nation’s Biggest Festival as three eminent Gurus Dr. Gajendra Kumar Panda, Padmashree Datuk Ramli Ibrahim and Guru Meera Das performed trio on November 28th at Kolkata Nazrul Manch
Assam Harmony Festival on 15th February at Guwahati, Assam

State Awards

Felicitated with BRUNDABAN NAYAK MEMORIAL AWARD
Honoured by Berhampur University, Berhampur
Felicitated with NRITYA KALASHREE AWARD by Jagannath Sangeet Mahavidyalaya, Puri
Honoured by Golden Jubilee Celebration of Jatiya Sangeet Kala Kendra, Berhampur
Felicitated with SANSKRUTI JUBA PRATIVA SAMMAN, Berhampur
Felicitated with SARALA SMARAK SAMMAN, Bhubaneswar
Honoured by Odisha Sangeet Natak Academy, Odisha
Honoured by NIST, Berhampur
Felicitated with SURTAAL Award by Surtaal, Angul
Honoured by Ganjam Kala Parisad, Berhampur
Felicitated with ABHINANDANIKA AWARD-2008
Felicitated with KONARK LIFE-TIME ACHIEVEMENT AWARD-2008 by Utkal Yuva Sanskrutik Sangh, Cuttack
Felicitated with NRUTYA NILADRI AWARD by Shree Jagannath Sangeet Kala Mahavidyalaya, Puri
Felicitated with NRUTYA BHARATI AWARD-2012 by Sangeet Sudhakar Smruti Sansad
Felicitated with AMITAV MISRHA AWARD-2013
Felicitated with GAN MAJLISH SAMMAN by Gan Majlish Sahitya Sansad, Balasore
Felicitated with NIDAGHA CHANDAN SAMMAN-2014 by Talent Search Academy, Cuttack
Felicitated with NATARAJ SAMMAN-2014 by Nataraj Kala Sansad, Phulbani
Felicitated with KALING BHARATI SAMMAN-2014 by Kaling Bharati, Cuttack
Felicitated with PADMASRI GURU GANGADHARA SMRUTI SAMMAN-2015, Konark
Felicitated with NUPUR NRUTYA JYOTI GAURAV SAMMAN-2016, Cuttack
Felicitated with PARSHURAM BIRATA SAMMAN-2016, OIC, Bhubaneswar
Felicitated with DIAMOND JUBILEE CELEBRATION AWARD-2016 by N.S.K.M., Balasore
Felicitated with JADUMANI DASH SARASWATA PRATIVA SAMMAN from JDMF
Felicitated with SURAVI SAMMAN by Suravi, Bhubaneswar
Felicitated with NAGA SIROMANI NILAKANTHA NAYAK MEMORIAL AWARD by JKSM, Puri
Felicitated with 41ST MANAN AWARD-2020 by Manan Natya Sanstha, Bhubaneswar
Felicitated with GURU DEBAPRASAD DAS PRATIVA SAMMAA by Nrutyarchana, Bhubaneswar
Felicitated with MAHANADI SHIROMANI SAMMAN by Udaan Temple of Arts, Sambalpur
Felicitated with GURU GANGADHAR PRADHAN AWARD by Jay Kiran Trust, Bhubaneswar
Awarded at Lingaraj Festival
Felicitated at Bahuda Yatra Mahotsav on 6th July
Felicitated at 11th Abhilasha Festival on 4th September
Felicitated at 4th Parala Festival organised by SJOKK at Paralakhemundi on 26th October
Felicitated Chilika Boita Bandana Mahotsav, on 4th November at Chilika
Felicitated at Prabasi Nrutya Sangam on 3rd December 2025
Felicitated at 4th Maitapur Mahotsav, at Maitapur on 14th December 2025
Felicitated and Performed Solo on Birth Centenary of the legendary Guru Padma Vibhushan Kelucharan Mohapatra on January 10th
Guest of Honour at the Ojha Pokhari NNDOR Muni Mahotsav on 16th January at Soro, Balasore

Contact

Tridhara
Bhubaneswar, Odisha, India

Director: Guru Dr. Gajendra Kumar Panda

Mobile: +91 9861008127

Email: [email protected]