Legends of Odisha

Odisha’s Cultural Legacy

Odisha, historically known as the ancient land of Kalinga, has played a vital role in shaping the cultural fabric of Indian civilization. For centuries, it has been a centre of scholarship, art, music, dance, and literature, drawing scholars, artists, and admirers from across the world. The state has produced extraordinary personalities whose contributions have left an everlasting imprint on Odia culture and Indian heritage.

The Department of Posts proudly honours four such stalwarts—Kantakabi Lakshmikanta Mohapatra, Guru Kelucharan Mohapatra, Parbati Ghose, and Akshya Kumar Mohanty—through the release of a Souvenir Sheet on Legends of Odisha.

Kantakabi Lakshmikanta Mohapatra (1888–1953)

Born on 9 December 1888 at Bakharabad, Cuttack, Lakshmikanta Mohapatra hailed from a family of freedom fighters. Popularly known as Kantakabi (Poet of Thorns), a title he received in 1934, he made immense contributions to Odia literature and patriotic music.

• Despite being afflicted with leprosy, he continued his creative journey, penning parodies, dramas, and patriotic songs. His celebrated parody Chataka Chandra Hasa Champu remains a masterpiece.
• Through his magazine “Dagara”, he encouraged young writers.
• During the freedom movement, his stirring patriotic songs inspired the masses.
• He played a crucial role in the unification of Odia-speaking regions, and his immortal composition “Bande Utkal Janani” has been adopted as the State Anthem of Odisha.

He passed away on 24 February 1953, but his works continue to live in the hearts of Odias.

Guru Kelucharan Mohapatra (1926–2004)

Born on 8 January 1926 at Raghurajpur, Puri, Guru Kelucharan Mohapatra is celebrated as the architect of modern Odissi dance. His life story is inseparable from the revival and recognition of Odissi as one of India’s classical dance forms.

• Beginning his artistic career with Annapurna “B” Theatre, Cuttack, in 1940, he soon developed his own distinct style.
• He travelled widely to popularize Odissi and was associated with the Odissi Research Centre, Bhubaneswar.
• In 1993, he founded Srjan, dedicated to preserving and promoting Odissi dance.
• His legacy includes over 200 solo choreographies, 50 dance ballets, and more than 5000 trained students worldwide.

For him, dance was Sadhana (spiritual practice) and teaching, a Dharma (duty). Recipient of Padma Shri (1974), Padma Bhushan (1988), and Sangeet Natak Akademi Award (1966), Guruji’s demise on 7 April 2004 was a global cultural loss. His art, however, continues to inspire generations.

Parbati Ghose (1942–2018)

Parbati Ghose, born in 1942 at Cuttack, was a trailblazer of Odia cinema, fondly remembered as Chapala and Chandana. A versatile actor, director, and producer, she remains a legendary figure in the Odia film industry.

• Trained in dance by great masters including Guru Kelucharan Mohapatra, she showcased her talent from a young age in cultural programs and All India Radio.
• Her breakthrough came with the iconic film “Sri Jagannath”, followed by powerful performances in Amari Gaan Jhua (1953), Bhai Bhai (1956), and the National Award-winning films Laxmi (1962), Kaa (1965), and Stree (1968).
• She later contributed to radio, television, and short films like Sankalp, Surakhya, and Amari Gaan for the Government of Odisha.

Parbati Ghose passed away on 12 February 2018, leaving behind an enduring cinematic legacy.

Akshya Kumar Mohanty (1937–2002)

Born on 12 October 1937, Akshya Kumar Mohanty—affectionately known as Khoka Bhai—was one of the most influential figures in Odia music and literature.

• A composer, lyricist, singer, and storyteller, he brought the nativeness of Odisha into mainstream music, blending folk, classical, and contemporary elements.
• He was known for romantic ballads and pathbreaking works like Kanchi Abhijana, Randipua Ananta, and Konark Gatha.
• His contributions include over 4000 written songs, 8000 sung songs, and music for 106 feature films.
• As a writer, he produced 100 short stories, 12 novels, and an autobiography, marked by his bold, crisp, and direct style.

His youthful songs like Jaare Bhasi Bhasi Ja remain popular even today. Akshya Kumar Mohanty passed away on 17 November 2002, but his immortal creations continue to enthrall generations.

Conclusion

The legends of Odisha—Kantakabi Lakshmikanta Mohapatra, Guru Kelucharan Mohapatra, Parbati Ghose, and Akshya Kumar Mohanty—have each enriched India’s cultural identity in unique ways. Their works not only glorified Odisha’s heritage but also carried Indian values and traditions to the global stage.

The Department of Posts proudly issues this Souvenir Sheet on the Legends of Odisha, celebrating their immense contributions to art, literature, music, dance, and cinema.