Early Life
Dr. Manjushree Panda is one of the distinguished exponents of Odissi dance of the contemporary era. Born and raised in Odisha, she developed a deep connection with classical arts from a very young age. She began her training in Odissi at the age of six under the guidance of Dr. Bidyutlata Choudhury. Later, she continued her advanced training under the legendary Guru Debaprasad Das, mastering the expressive and intricate elements of the Debaprasad style of Odissi.
Her performances are widely admired for their graceful movements, expressive abhinaya, and strong rhythmic command. Known for her unique postures, poetic expressions, and impeccable footwork, she has emerged as a prominent figure in the world of Indian classical dance.
Career
Dr. Manjushree Panda’s career spans performance, choreography, teaching, research, filmmaking, and writing. As a dancer trained in the Guru Debaprasad Das tradition, she has carried forward the pristine qualities of this Odissi style while also exploring new creative possibilities.
Her choreographic works combine classical literature, mythology, and philosophical themes. Some of her notable productions include Yajnaseni based on the novel by Padma Shri Dr. Pratibha Ray, Lajja, Namami Ramam Ishwaram, Shree Radha, Satyam Shivam Sundaram, and Maryada Purusottam. These works highlight her ability to blend classical aesthetics with contemporary interpretation.
Apart from dance, Dr. Panda has also worked in cinema and media as an actress and announcer. She produced and directed the animation film Mother’s Milk, reflecting her commitment to using art as a medium for social awareness. She has also acted in Odia films such as Basant Rasa and Panchu Pandav, as well as in Doordarshan productions including the telefilm Kalijai and the serial Pratibha.
Her performances have been presented at prestigious festivals and venues across India, including the Konark Festival, Nishagandhi Festival, Taj Festival, Natyanjali Festival at Chidambaram, India Habitat Centre in New Delhi, and the National Centre for Performing Arts in Mumbai.
Personal Life
Beyond the stage, Dr. Manjushree Panda is deeply committed to education, research, and social empowerment through art. In 2007, she founded the Avantika Academy of Cultural & Social Welfare with the vision of preserving and promoting Odissi dance while making classical arts accessible to wider communities.
Through this institution, she provides training to students from diverse backgrounds, including tribal and underprivileged children. Many students receive free training in dance, music, and theory, helping them develop both artistic skills and confidence.
Achievements & Recognition
Dr. Manjushree Panda has received numerous state and national honours in recognition of her contributions to Indian classical dance and cultural education. She is empanelled as an ‘A’ Grade Artist by Doordarshan, New Delhi, and by the Odisha Sangeet Natak Akademi.
Her major awards include the National Nritya Shiromani Award, Lasya Mohini Award, Nrithyabharathi Samman, and several cultural honours from institutions across India. She has also been the recipient of scholarships and fellowships from the Government of India, including the Junior Scholarship, Senior Scholarship, and Junior Fellowship from the Ministry of Culture.
Recently, she was honoured as Women Achiever of Odisha 2026 during International Women’s Week by Prameya and News7. She also received the prestigious Aarya Award from Parichaya Foundation in Bhubaneswar.
STATE AWARDS
Received Nalco Kharavela Award 2020 by Nalco, A Navratna CPSE Company, Bhubaneswar, Odisha
Received Pratibha Samman 2019 by Pragyan Bharati Shiksha Kendra, Balasore, Odisha
Received SCART Navaratna Award 2017 by State Council For Artistic Research and Training, Cuttack, Odisha
Received Silpi Prativa Samman 2016 by Sworabitan, Bhubaneswar, Odisha
Received Suravi Samman 2015 by Suravi, Bhubaneswar, Odisha
Received Doon Kirti Samman 2011 by Doon Ghati Rangmanch, Dehradun
Received Rajasthan Ratna Samman 2007 by Kala Maha Kumbh, Bikaner
Received Padmashree Bhikhari Thakur Shikhar Samman 2006 by Bharatiya Ekjut Sanskrutika Sangha, Patna
NATIONAL AWARDS
Received Panchal Rashtriya Nrityashree Samman 2006 by All India Cultural Association, Bareilly
Received Lasya Mohini Award 2014 by Urmila Unnis International Cultural Academy, Kerala
Received National Nritya Shiromani Award 2011 by Utkal Yuva Sanskrutik Sangha, Cuttack, Odisha
Received Nrithyabharathi Samman 2017 by Natyasaraswathi, Bangalore
Received 4″ CMSB National Awards 2017 by Council for Media and Satellite Broadcasting, Bangalore
Received Natya Druma Puraskar by Sathyaanjali Academy of Kuchipudi Dance.
Received Certificate of Dedication In Promoting Safety Against Covid 19 Awareness
Program 2020 by All India Institute of Public and Physical Health Sciences
Received Corona Warrior Certificate by Assist World Records 2020
Received Certificate for Outstanding Contribution In Social Service Against Devastating Covid 19 Awareness Program 2020 by All India Real For Cultural Welfare Society, Bareilly.
External Links
Official Institution: Avantika Academy of Cultural & Social Welfare
Media Coverage: National newspapers and cultural publications
Dance Performances: National and international dance festivals and cultural events
