02/08/2026
Who Is a Guru?
In Indian classical dance and music, the word Guru is used very freely. Almost every teacher is called a Guru, and every student becomes a Shishya. But perhaps we need to pause and ask what these words truly mean.
In the ancient Gurukul tradition, education was not limited to acquiring skills. Students lived with wise, knowledgable persons and learnt not only academics, music, dance or warfare, but also discipline, morality, aesthetics, culture and spiritual awareness. Education was meant to create a complete human being.
Today, education is largely about skill development and professional achievement. Yet, in traditional performing arts, we continue to use the words Guru and Shishya—often without understanding the responsibilities they carry.
I am Sharmila Biswas, an Odissi practitioner and teacher. Students from the age of four come to learn at my institution.
To the little children, I am “Big Ma’am”—someone like a grandmother. To the young adults, I am their dance teacher, and perhaps someone who offers a little guidance towards becoming a sensitive and cultured human being.
But only a few students become true Shishyas.
That happens when they begin to recognise the deeper, spiritual content of dance—not because I tell them about it, but because they discover it themselves.
And only then can I become their Guru.
So, Guru is not a prefix before my name.
I can be a teacher to many. I can be a loving guide to many.
But I can be a Guru only to a few.
