PRAGNYA NRUTYAYAN (AN INTRODUCTION)

Pragnya Nrutyayan has an excellent in-house facility for students where students from all back ground, including overseas students come for learning this art. Today Pragnya Nrutyayan is a centre for excellence in imparting training and knowledge in various aspects of Odissi dance. For its relentless work and pursuit for excellence, the institute is accredited to ICCR and has also been associated with various educational institutions. Students of Pragnya Nrutyayan have performed on various platforms in India. So Pragnya Nrutyayan, one of the premier cultural institutions of Orissa, runs under the guidance of Guru Swayampragnya Sahoo, a reknowned educator, performer and choreagrapher of Odissi dance. Established in the year 2000, it has made major contributions in projecting and popularising Odissi dance and music, as well as imparting intensive training to artistes both in India and abroad. It maintains a close association with several cultural institutions in India. Upholding a rich cultural heritage, the Academy has moved ahead with its noble and dynamic mission to embrace many artistes into its cultural fold. Through its multifaceted activities it aims at international cultural amity and harmony. It is a unique institution where studios are never silent. Training classes are conducted by eminent and experienced gurus (teachers) in a scientific manner round the clock. It also organises cultural evenings, Annual festival of dance and music every year at the country . The most significant milestone of Pragnya Nrutyayan was Gurushree Samman Dance Festival started in 2011, which was created cultural awarnes and tradition of Gurukul of true festival spirit by organising Cultural Festivals for the first time in 2011 at Rabindra Mandap. Academy also organises State level Dance, Art & Music competition every year to create cultural awareness among the people. Another important feature we provide one year scholarship of three artist for their outstanding performance & awarded them in Pragnya Prativa Award.
The pedagogy adopted at Pragnya Nrutyayan is a world apart from the usual method followed in most conventional institutes. Based on the Gurukul Parampara of medieval India, the pupil here learns the art through dedication, devotion, determination and deep reverence for the teacher. Knowledge, like a legacy is handed over from generation to generation as priceless heirloom. The average training span is of ten years, with the syllabus including both theory and practical on the technique of Odissi Dance. The faculty comprises teachers who work relentlessly under the able guidance of Guru Durga charan Ranbir & Guru Swayampragnya Sahoo. To enable a learning environment, lecture demonstrations, workshops and seminars are held regularly by maestros of Odissi dance, music and other classical art forms. Students are given ample opportunities to showcase their potential through stage shows. Summer classes are also organized for further honing of techniques. Schedules are specially planned for students coming from abroad. In sum and substance, a multi-faceted training module is followed for the overall development of pupil.