In the Light of the Guru
For Nilanjana, a Guru is not just a teacher—but a guiding flame. Instruction is not merely passed down—it is absorbed, embodied, and awakened within. This sacred thread of learning, woven over two decades, is her deepest offering to her students.
The Lineage That Brought Odissi to Life
Adiguru Pankaj Charan Das, the founding father of Odissi, revived this sacred temple dance and trained the first generation of Gurus. His student, Padmashree Muralidhar Majhi, brought Odissi to Kolkata, earning national acclaim. Guru Mitra Purkayastha brought Odissi to the U.S., founding RDM in New Jersey in 1985. She was honored with the Nrityangani Mahari Award for her contributions.
Rooted in a Sacred Lineage
With Guru Mitra’s guidance, she has further studied rare and historic choreographies directly with Guru Sarat Kumar Das and Guruma Suhag Nalini Das, the torchbearers of Adiguru’s legacy.
A Sacred Offering: June 29th, 2024
Mentored by a Maestro of the Modern Stage
Renowned dancer and choreographer Sukalyann Bhattacharya has been the creative force in Nilanjana’s dance journey. She has been fortunate to train rigorously with him in Kolkata. Over 2 decades of his mentorship and teaching has elevated her artistry through high-caliber productions—including major performances at Atlantic City and Madison Square Garden, NYC.
Preserving a Living Legacy
Nilanjana doesn’t just perform—she preserves. Every step, every gesture, every breath of her dance carries the imprint of generations. She walks with reverence, embodying a tradition that spans centuries—so her students, too, can dance their way back to the source.