A commemorative postage stamp on Guru Kelucharan Mohapatra, an Indian Classical (Odissi) Dancer [a part of the series ‘Legends of Odisha‘] :

Issued by India

Issued on Mar 30, 2023

Issued for : Department of Posts is pleased to issue a set of Commemorative Postage Stamps on the Legends of Odisha who have contributed magnificently to the art and culture of not only Odisha but also took the Indian values and culture to the international panorama.

Credits :
Stamp/FDC/Brochure/Cancellation Cachet : Smt. Nenu Gupta

Type : Miniature Sheet, Mint Condition

Colour : Multi Colour

Denomination : 1000 Paise

Souvenir Sheet Price : 5000 Paise

Souvenir Sheets Printed : 301590

Miniature Sheet Printed : 1.11 Lakh

Printing Process : Wet Offset

Printer : Security Printing Press, Hyderabad

Name : Kelucharan Mohapatra

Born on 8 Jan, 1926 at Raghurajpur, Puri, Odisha, India

Died on 7 Apr, 2004 at Bhubaneswar, Odisha, India

About : 

• Born on 08.01.1926 at Raghurajpur village in Puri, Kelucharan Mohapatra, is widely known as father of architect of Odissi dance. The story of his artistic experience touches all the salient features of the cultural life of Odisha and has become the story of growth and recognition of ‘Odissi style’ as one of the classical dances of India.
• Fondly known as Guruji, he established himself as a dancer and choreographer with the Annapurna “B” Theatre in Cuttack in 1940. He established his own distinct style and developed further dances in a systematic and precise manner. He travelled widely for popularizing Odissi dance and was associated with Odissi Research Centre in Bhubaneswar for more than a decade.
• In 1966, Guruji received the prestigious Sangeet Natak Akademi Award. He was conferred with Padmashree in 1974 and Padma Bhushan in 1988. In 1993, Guruji established “Srjan” in Bhubaneswar, as a humble offering to dance, music and rich national ethos. Throughout his lifetime, he made over 200 solo compositions and about 50 dance ballets to his credit and over 5000 students from across the world learned Odissi dance from him. For him, dance was a Sadhana and teaching, a Dharma. His demise on 07.04.2004 was a personal loss to many worldwide, who knew him through his dance and love for national ethos. His legacy lives on.
• Text : Referenced from the contents provided by the proponent.

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