Bhubaneswar, Jan. 25: Odisha had not one, but two reasons to be proud today as the Padma Bhushan was announced for Odia painter Jatin Das and the Padma Shri for Odissi danseuse Minati Mishra.
Both in their seventies, Das and Mishra had different takes on the award announcements, but both believe that a lot needs to be done for their respective fields.
Painter Jatin Das, who is in New Delhi, said: “Receiving the Padma Bhushan does not change anything when it comes to my work and plans. It does not thrill me since awards do not add credibility to one’s work or dedication. Those who appreciated my work till today will continue to do so while those who did not care much for me will not start caring because of the awards. Of course, it is happy news.”
Das, who turned 70 last month, has been a name to reckon with in the field of art the world over for decades now
Odissi dancer Minati Mishra is the senior-most Odissi dancer to be performing on stage. At 75, she still stuns her viewers with her fluent abhinayas and athletic grace in movements.
“I’m absolutely delighted and excited to hear the news. My well-wishers do say that it is probably late but I feel one gets something when one is destined to. The news came as a pleasant surprise since I had no idea about my nomination. I feel the award is a token of appreciation for my dedication and sadhana towards my dance and it encourages me immensely to continue my efforts to keep Odissi traditions intact,” said an elated Mishra.
Both the awardees believe there is a lot of work that needs to be done for their arts. “People complain that Odias do not receive much recognition outside the state, even in the case of the Padma awards but how does that matter! We have to work for Odisha to help it get the reverence it deserves. I want to promote art in Odisha. To this end I have established the JD Centre of Arts to groom and encourage talented artists of the state,” said Das.
Mishra said Odissi dancers needed to be more dedicated to be successful outside Odisha. “We need to focus on the traditions of the dance form to take it to new heights. I want more and more Odissi dancers to get national recognition,” she said.
The news of the Padma awards has set off a wave of joy among people in the state. “I’m extremely happy for the awardees but strongly feel that both deserved the awards much earlier,” said retired diplomat Abasar Beuria. Last year’s Padma Vibhushan winner from Odisha, reputed litterateur Sitakant Mahapatra, said: “This news gives me utmost joy. I congratulate both Jatin and Minati. ”
