The legendary Odissi dancer and revered “Father of Odissi dance,” Padma Shri Guru Mayadhar Rout, passed away this morning at his residence in New Delhi. He was 95.
Guru Mayadhar Rout, who was born on July 6, 1930, began his training in the traditional Gotipua dance at the tender age of seven. He was the first to present the Gotipua dance on stage in 1944. In the 1950s, he played a pivotal role in reviving and codifying Odissi dance, bringing it to the level of a classical dance form with his Shastra-based knowledge. His contributions include the introduction of Sanchari Bhava, Mudra Viniyoga, and Rasa Theory to the study of Odissi.
In 1952, Rout became the first Odissi Guru at the Kala Vikas Kendra in Cuttack, where he was a founder-member. Along with his colleagues, he founded the Jayantika Association in 1959 to work on the codification and development of Odissi dance.
In 1968, Rout relocated to Delhi and headed the Odissi department at Shriram Bharatiya Kala Kendra from 1970 to 1995. He also started Odissi classes at the Jagannath Mandir in Delhi in 1970. His school, Jayantika (Mayadhar Raut School of Odissi Dance), has teaching centres across the globe, and he has visited more than 35 countries to promote Odissi dance.
Guru Mayadhar Rout’s immense contributions to the field of dance have been recognized with numerous awards, including the Tagore Akademi Ratna (2011), Sangeet Natak Akademi Award (1985), and many others. His legacy will continue to inspire generations of dancers and artists worldwide.
The dance community and cultural enthusiasts mourn the loss of a true pioneer and visionary. May his soul rest in peace.
