24/06/2025
नमो नमः
Today is the Death Anniversary of the Legendary Dancer Padmashri Sanjukta Panigrahi. We fondly call her Sanju Nani and celebrate today's day as SANJU NANI DAY.
We are blessed to be a part of the tribute where we dance on the traditional repertoire of Odissi Dance in front of Padmashri Sanjukta Panigrahi's photo.
We are thankful to our Guru Jhelum Paranjape
for starting this tribute.
Those who don't know Padmashri Sanjukta Panigrahi , here is the small information of her journey.
Padma Shri Sanjukta Panigrahi – Icon of Odissi
Early life & training:
Born on August 24, 1944, in Berhampur, Odisha, Sanjukta showed innate rhythmic talent from age 4, dancing to everyday sounds like chopping wood or slicing vegetables . Despite initial societal hesitation—since dance was associated with temple devadasis—her mother encouraged her passion while her father eventually supported her .
Artistic development:
A disciple of Odissi Padmavibhushan turu Kelucharan Mohapatra and trained in Bharatanatyam under Rukmini Devi Arundale, she became the primary catalyst in reviving Odissi as a classical dance form. Known for her mastery of nritta (pure dance) and expressive abhinaya, she brought technical precision and emotional depth to audiences .
Achievements & recognition:
Received Padma Shri in 1975 and Sangeet Natak Akademi Award in 1976 .
Led cultural delegations abroad—performing in the US, Philippines (1969), UK (1983), Israel, Greece (1989) and France.
Creative synergy:
Her husband, vocalist , Pandit Raghunath Panigrahi, provided live musical accompaniment, forming a deeply symbiotic duo whose performances, including compositions like Raag Roop, Ekhond Kandichhe Radha, and Jagannath Astakam, Ardhanarishwar left a lasting impact .
Legacy & impact:
Widely regarded as the “revivalist” of Odissi, she toured extensively, elevating the dance to global stages . Lauded for her soulful dedication—French artist Julia Varley described her as “the Dancer for the Gods” .
Final years and legacy:
Battling cancer, she passed away on June 24, 1997, at age 52 . In her memory, her husband founded the Sanjukta Panigrahi Memorial Trust (1999), offering annual scholarships and awards to foster new Odissi talent .
Sanjukta Panigrahi didn't just master Odissi—she rekindled it, transforming an almost forgotten temple dance into one of India's most celebrated classical forms, and inspiring generations.
Baboo Panigrahi
