Sacred Steps, Global Stage | Ms. Madhulita Mohapatra | TEDxKIITUniversity
Ms. Madhulita Mohapatra is a celebrated Odissi dancer and cultural ambassador who has dedicated her life to preserving and elevating this classical Indian dance form. As the founder of Nrityantar, she has created a platform for nurturing Odissi tradition while innovating within its classical framework. Her artistry combines technical mastery with profound expressive depth, particularly evident in her abhinaya (dramatic expression).
Her performances have graced prestigious stages from the ancient Konark Festival in Odisha to international platforms like the Johor Bahru Arts Festival, demonstrating her ability to connect diverse audiences with India's classical heritage. Her choreographic work reflects both reverence for tradition and contemporary sensibility.
Recognition of her contributions includes the Sangeet Natak Akademi's Ustad Bismillah Khan Yuva Puraskar (2018), acknowledging her as a promising young artist, and recent honors like the IIW She Inspires Award at the UK Parliament (2024) and the Devi Award (2024), highlighting her role as a cultural leader and inspirational figure for women in the arts. A distinguished Odissi dancer and the visionary founder of Nrityantar, Ms. Madhulita Mohapatra, has played a pivotal role in preserving and promoting the rich heritage of Odissi. Her performances at the Konark Festival and Johor Bahru Arts Festival have showcased her choreographic brilliance and expressive abhinaya, earning her widespread acclaim. Her dedication to the art form has been recognized with prestigious honors, including the Sangeet Natak Akademi's Ustad Bismillah Khan Yuva Puraskar (2018), the IIW She Inspires Award at the UK Parliament (2024), and the Devi Award (2024). As a Doordarshan ‘A’ grade artist and ICCR empaneled artiste, she inspires generations through her artistry and dedication to cultural excellence. Her story of passion and perseverance is inspiring and resonates globally. This talk was given at a TEDx event using the TED conference format but independently organized by a local community. Learn more at https://www.ted.com/tedx
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