Meerananda Borthakur

🪔 About

Dr. Meerananda Borthakur, also known as Dr. Meernanda Barthakur, is a renowned exponent of Sattriya dance, one of India's eight classical dance forms, originating from Assam. She is celebrated for her distinctive stage presentations and her significant contributions to the preservation and popularization of this ancient art form. Borthakur began her early training in Sattriya dance at the tender age of eight at Sangeet Sattra under Guru Gobinda Saikia. She continued her training and performances at the Pushpanjali Cultural Academy of Guwahati, where she was guided by Guru Pushpa Bhuyan (a Padmashree awardee) and Barbayan Tankeswar Hazarika. Since 1999, she has dedicated herself entirely to Sattriya dance under the tutelage of Guru Nrityacharyya Shri Jatin Goswami, who is also a recipient of the Padmashree and Sangeet Natak Akademi awards. Additionally, she has received training in Ojapaali from Sangeet Natak Akademi awardee Manik Bora Barbayan. Dr. Borthakur is recognized as an 'A' Grade Sattriya artist by Doordarshan, New Delhi. From 2006 to 2008, she served as a fellow under the Ministry of Tourism and Culture, Government of India, focusing on developing a repertoire of Sattriya dance suitable for the proscenium stage. She is the director of 'MUKTIMANGAL', an organization dedicated to the training, development, and research of Sattriya dance. She also organizes 'MUKTIMANGAL - a festival of performing arts', an annual event showcasing senior dancers. Her commitment to the art form leads her to frequently visit the Sattras of Assam to observe and study the original forms of Sattriya dances. Dr. Borthakur has authored several treatises and articles on dance and has presented notable lecture-demonstrations at events like Nritya Sangam in Kolkata and Nritya Parva in Guwahati. She has performed extensively across India, participating in numerous dance festivals including Vasantotsav at Vishwa Bharati, the International Trade Fair in Delhi, Dweep Mahotsav in Port Blair, and the Adi Kala Sattra Festival 2025, where she performed with her students. Awards & Honours: Ustad Bismillah Khan Yuva Puraskar (2008), 4th Devdasi National Award.