Delhi: President Ram Nath Kovind conferred the Sangeet Natak Akademi Award on eminent Odissi dancer Sujata Mohapatra in a ceremony at the Rashtrapati Bhawan here on Wednesday.
Apart from Mohapatra, 43 artists from across the country received the prestigious award in five categories for the year 2017.
According to reports, a total of nine artists received awards for their contribution in the field of dance. Nine noted artists from the field of theatre also received the prestigious award. Besides, 10 eminent artists were facilitated for their contribution in the field of traditional art forms including folk and tribal music, dance, theatre, and puppetry.
Sujata is the disciple and daughter-in-law of legendary Odissi guru, Kelucharan Mohapatra. Her dance is noted particularly for its strict adherence to Kelucharan Mohapatra’s style, known for its grace, depth of expression and technical exactitude. She is married to her guru’s son Ratikant Mohapatra. Their daughter, Preetisha Mohapatra is also an Odissi dancer.
Ms Kalinga