Ananya Jugade

Ananya Jugade, a 12-year-old of ODM Public School, Bhubaneswar, is a nationally acclaimed Odissi dancer known for her grace, dedication, and expressive artistry. A passionate practitioner of this ancient classical dance form, Ananya has enchanted audiences across India with her powerful performances and deep-rooted commitment to cultural heritage. Her journey in dance has been adorned with prestigious accolades, including the Makar Samman 2025, Nritya Shree Award, Dr. Snehaprava Samantray National Odissi Dance Award, and the Nrutya Kalabhushan Bal Puraskar, among others. She was also the Junior Winner of Debadasi 2024, a celebrated dance reality show on Siddharth TV, Odisha. Additional honours such as the Nritya Bhushan (Jhankriti 2023) and, Natya Vikasa Award 2023 further underscore her growing influence in the classical dance community. Ananya has performed at renowned festivals and cultural events, earning recognition for her impeccable technique, emotive storytelling, and the soulful embodiment of Odissi’s spiritual depth. Her achievements reflect not only her artistic excellence but also her commitment to preserving and promoting Indian classical dance. With every performance, Ananya continues to inspire the next generation of dancers with elegance, discipline, and passion, reflecting a deep reverence for tradition, balanced with a vibrant individual expression that resonates with contemporary audiences. Each movement, each gesture speaks of hours of dedication, and each performance furthers her mission to preserve and promote the legacy of Odissi dance.