Binayak Panda

🪔 About

Guru Dr. Binayak Panda is a prominent luminary in the realm of Odissi dance, recognized for his dedication to preserving and evolving the rich heritage of Indian classical dance. Born in Lokanathpur, Chatarpur, Orissa, his journey in dance began at the tender age of nine, guided by his elder brother, Guru Gajendra Panda. He underwent rigorous training in Odissi dance and further pursued his academic understanding by completing a Visharad degree from the Akhil Bhartiya Gandharva Mahavidyalaya Mandal. To deepen his holistic grasp of the art form, he also honed his understanding of Odissi Sangeet under the tutelage of Pandit Gopal Chandra Panda. Binayak Panda is intrinsically connected to the legacy of the Late Guru Debaprasad Das, one of the four founding fathers of Odissi. He is committed to continuing this legacy through his work. In 2003, he founded Debadhara Delhi, an institution that serves as a bridge between the past and future of Odissi. Debadhara not only imparts the techniques of Odissi but also infuses it with the essence of tribal and folk dance forms of Odisha, creating a unique "synthetic gharana" that resonates with Guru Debaprasad Das's spirit. Beyond performance and teaching, Guru Binayak Panda's impact extends to education and cultural exchange. He believes in dance as a means of empowerment, exemplified by his association with the Kala Shakti group, an initiative to empower children through various art forms. He is dedicated to making art accessible to all, aligning with Guru Debaprasad Das's vision of Odissi as an art for everyone. Guru Panda has performed extensively at prestigious festivals such as Konark, Khajuraho, and Chidambaram, and has showcased Odissi in countries including Japan, Malaysia, Singapore, and the USA.