Madan Mohan Das
Madan Mohan, originally named Pawan, was born in the sacred town of Vrindavan Dham, a renowned center of Bhakti in India. From a young age, he exhibited a profound interest in spiritual life and took refuge under his spiritual master, who bestowed upon him the name Madan Mohan. His journey into the world of classical Indian dance began serendipitously at the age of five when his talents were noticed by Dance Guru Pratap Narayan during a spiritual program attended by his parents. Impressed by Madan Mohan’s innate ability, Pratap Narayan took him under his tutelage, initiating him into the intricate art of Odissi dance.
Throughout his formative years, Madan Mohan participated in numerous stage performances, earning recognition for his dedication and artistry. His exceptional talent led to a special youth program sponsorship organized by the Indian Government. Immersing himself fully in the complex teachings of Odissi, Madan Mohan spent his youth living with his dance teachers, mastering the nuances of this classical dance form. His commitment and skill eventually saw him teaching at the Odissi dance gurukula under the guidance of his mentors.
Driven by a desire to reconnect classical teachings with their spiritual roots, Madan Mohan sought to integrate the devotional aspects of Odissi dance as practiced in the temples of Orissa, where dance is an offering to the deities. This quest led him to Sree Dham Mayapur, a prominent hub for Bhakti Yoga. There, he established his own school, Sri Nimai Nritya Mandir, a center dedicated to dance and devotion. At this institute, Madan Mohan and his students practice daily, offering their art in service to the deities and the devotee community. His efforts culminated in the creation of the Ekadasi Odissi Nritya Seva program, where dance is performed as a devotional offering every Ekadasi.
Madan Mohan's vision is to cultivate a community of dedicated dancers who study and perform Odissi dance in service to Lord Jagannath. His future plans include building a beautiful Odissi Dance center in the green heart of Mayapur. In addition to managing his own school, Madan Mohan actively teaches at the Cambridge Institute SMIS in Mayapur.
His expertise and passion for Odissi have also led him to international stages. He has participated in the ICCR program in Korea and collaborated with Korzo theaters in the Netherlands on a theater piece under the guidance of Smt. Gauri Tripathi and Leo Spark.
Madan Mohan continues to inspire and lead in the world of classical Indian dance, fostering a deeper connection between art and devotion.