Nimakanta Routray
About Me
Guru Nimakanta Routray is a highly respected figure in the field of Odissi classical music, renowned for his refined vocal artistry, technical mastery, and profound emotional depth. His dedication to the tradition is evident in over 500 performances presented across India and abroad. Guru Routray inherited a rich musical legacy, having received rigorous training under legendary figures such as Ghanshyam Panda, Ramhari Das, and Dhaneswar Swain. Beyond performance, Guru Routray is a dedicated and compassionate teacher and mentor, shaping the next generation of Odissi musicians. He is one of the founding members of the Alapa Cultural Trust, established in 2017 to preserve and promote Odissi music. His teaching philosophy emphasizes sincerity, discipline, and humility, with an open-hearted approach that welcomes students of all ages and backgrounds, viewing music as a "sacred transmission" rather than a commercial enterprise. He has also been associated with Utkal Sangeet Mahavidyalaya.
✦ Key Highlights
- •Extensive Performance Career: A towering presence in Odissi classical music with over 500 performances across India and abroad, captivating audiences with his refined vocal artistry, technical mastery, and emotional depth.
- •A Devoted Teacher and Mentor: He has played a vital role in shaping the next generation of Odissi musicians through his patience, generous spirit, and lifelong dedication to transmitting the tradition.
- •Founder of Alapa Cultural Trust: He is one of the founding members of the Alapa Cultural Trust (established in 2017), which is dedicated to preserving and promoting the rich tradition of Odissi music. His vision for the Trust is one of deep inclusivity and compassion, where music is a "sacred transmission" open to all sincere learners.
- •Diverse Musical Contributions: He has performed at major festivals like the Khajuraho Festival, Konark Festival, and Surya Festival (Kerala). He has also composed music for various Odissi Dances, Dance Dramas, and other Oriya songs (Bhajan and Light Adhunik).
Dance Schools
Not Available
Gurus
Ghanshyam Panda
Ramhari Das
Dhaneswar Swain
Accolades & Certifications
Adharashree Award
Puri Jagannath Temple
Recognition for contribution to the art form.
Sangeetashree Award
Kendrapara Rotary Club
Awarded for excellence in music.
Chinta O Chetana National Award
Chinta O Chetana
National recognition for his work.
Honour/Award
Oriya Film and Culture, Orissa
Recognition for contributions to the state's cultural landscape.
Honour
Indian Music Chamber, Dhenkanal
Recognition from a regional music body.
Honour
Nabanweshi, Udayan Cultural Academy, Puri
Recognition from cultural institutions.
National Scholarship
Human Resource and Training, Govt. of India
Awarded early in his career for musical training/research.
All India Radio Artist
All India Radio (AIR), Cuttack
Status awarded to recognized professional musicians.
Sangeet Bhaskar
Pracheen Kala Kendra, Chandigarh
High-level academic/performance qualification in music.
M. Mus (Odissi Vocal)
Utkal Sangeet Mahavidyalaya, Bhubaneswar
Master's degree in Odissi Vocal Music.
My Dance Journey
Received rigorous training under legendary Gurus like Ghanshyam Panda, Ramhari Das, and Dhaneswar Swain.
Began his decades-long work to spread Odissi music, traveling by local transport to places like Balasore, Nayagarh, and Sambalpur to teach and perform.
Co-founded the Alapa Cultural Trust, a dedicated institution for the promotion and preservation of traditional Odissi music.
Hobbies & Interests
- •Teaching and coaching abhinaya diction (general to Odissi vocalists)
- •Listening to archival Odissi recordings and Gita Govinda renditions
- •Collaborative rehearsal work with percussionists and flautists
Image Gallery
Video Gallery
Follow My Journey