Bhubaneswar: Odisha Government run Guru Kelucharan Mohapatra Odissi Research Centre organized Centenary Celebration of Professor Mohan Khokar, the Father Figure Of Dance History.
Government of Odisha in Department of Odia Language, Literature and Culture extended its support for organizing the ceremony.
Principal Secretary Odia Language, Literature and Culture, Bishnupada Sethi said the State Government is committed to the cause of Odissi dance and music, and therefore it is a great honour for the State to host this function.
Shri Sethi was speaking in the meeting, adding he said this will help in celebrating the legacy of the man who played a pivotal role in the recognition of Odissi as a classical dance form.
Director Odia Language, Literature and Culture, Bijay Ketan Upadhyay said Prof.Mohan Khokar needs no introduction to dance lovers of India. In Odisha, most of you assembled today at ORC either have known him personally or professionally or both.
Dr.Upadhyay said his benchmark work in documentation of various classical dance forms in general and Odisha in particular, is well regarded worldwide.
He was one of the 3 leading scholars and critics of his times who helped establish Odissi as a recognised classical dance form in 1958 by the Central Sangeet Natak Akademi.
Later he was also its secretary after being an OSD in central education and culture ministry, on deputation, from MSU Baroda, of which he was a founder head. As the first male student of Kalakshetra, he was a pioneer in establishing and supporting many folk, ritual and tribal forms too.
He was also in-charge on many occasions in cultural shows at the Rashtrapati Bhawan, and served as India’s representative at UNESCO and as member on many dance committees and forums.
Prof. Mohan Khokar created India’s largest dance Archives Collection worth 7 crores and named after him, which was subsequently donated by his equally illustrious wife Guru M.K. Saroja to the nation at IGNCA Delhi.
His equally illustrious son and successor, culture icon, historian and editor Prof. Ashish Khokar continues his legacy and today brings to us a short film on the man and his mission with a vision and commitment to Indian dance.