BACKGROUND

Odissi, one of the oldest classical forms of dance whose origin is shrouded in mystery, is a synthesis of lyrics, poetry, and movement. Its roots reach back to the picturesque sculptures found in the temple of Lord Jagannath, the famous Sun Temple of Konark and the Lingaraj Temple at Bhubaneswar. After a considerable length of time, exponents tried to restore this classical dance to the place it so rightly deserves in the country and abroad.

Shri Durga Ranbir, the modern exponent of the Deba Prasad Das School, the more tribal and tantric branch of Odissi, has brought to the limelight the cultural and artistic heritage of this particular ancient, classical dance through his relentless pursuit, and has made it as pure as a gem, as clear as crystal, as heart-throbbing as possible.

Hailing from a rural village called Kamaguru, near the vicinity of the famous Chilika lake, his aesthetic ability was well encouraged by his parents and being tutored by the Late Deba Prasad Das, he soon became a worthy disciple. He also successfully completed his studies in Odissi dance leading to the prestigious award of Nrutyacharya by Utkal Sangeet Mahavidyalaya. Later being consistently nurtured by his wife, he succeeded in spreading this form of art at different fora, through his various students. Here begins the life of a Guru from a Disciple, where the later is supposed to implant everything he knows in the latter and bring out the best, for that is the celestial pleasure. 

His love for the art is so immense that along with caring for his family, he avidly pursued the mission. As a result, 60 of his students have been awarded national scholarships, and 12 have been awarded junior scholarships for Odissi dance offered by the Department of Culture of the Government of India. Seven of his students are Shringarmani holders awarded by Sur Shringar Bombay, and most of his students are accomplished dances of Door-Darshan. Orissa Sangit Natak Academy has recognised five of his students as ëAí grade artists. The GOI was pleased to offer a junior research fellowship to one of his students. His assortment of students are not confined within the state, rather they are from all over the country and abroad as well.

His students have been ably represented by him in countries like China, North Korea, Australia and Bangladesh. His watchful and astute guidance has resulted in his students making favorable impressions in prestigious dance festivals like Khajuraho, Chhanda, Ghungroo, Haridas Samilani. Nisagandhi, Surya. Konark Nrutya Ustav, Yuba Utsavas, Nritya Mahautsav, and in solo and groups performances sponsored by Kendra and Orissa Sangita Natak Academy. The performance of his students represented by him at the ICCR Delhi and other places in no less than a beholden sight.

His insatiable quench for this art has made him to promote this through an organisation named Nrutyayan, where hundreds of students are being trained. The form of training includes Odissi, Folk, Parcifal drama, and Etal. Even students abroad are scrambling to get trained and take this pristine gift to their respective countries.