Padma Shri Indira P. P. Bora – The Legendary Sattriya Dancer From Assam
About Padma Shri Indira P. P. Bora – The Legendary Sattriya Dancer From Assam
Indira P. P. Bora is one of Assam’s most celebrated classical dancers and cultural ambassadors, renowned for her lifelong dedication to Sattriya Nritya—the traditional monastic dance form of Assam founded by Srimanta Sankaradeva. Born in 1949 in Golaghat, Assam, she is among the rare artists who mastered three major classical dance forms of India—Sattriya, Bharatanatyam, and Kuchipudi—and elevated Assamese culture to global recognition.
Early Life and Training
From a young age, Indira Bora displayed an exceptional passion for dance. She began training in Sattriya under distinguished gurus such as Rosheswar Saikia Barbayan, Ghana Kanta Bora, and Pradip Chaliha. Later, she moved to Chennai to study Bharatanatyam for 13 years at Kalakshetra under the legendary Rukmini Devi Arundale and later learned Kuchipudi under Guru Vempati Chinna Satyam. This rare combination of training gave her dance a distinct style that blends grace, discipline, and storytelling.
Promoting Sattriya Nritya
In 1982, Indira P. P. Bora founded Kalabhumi, Assam’s first comprehensive institute for dance, art, and culture. Through Kalabhumi, she trained hundreds of students and created a platform for young artists from North-East India. Her mission was not only to preserve but also to modernize the presentation of Sattriya so that it could reach international audiences.
She worked closely with monks from various Sattras (monastic institutions) and collaborated with scholars to research and document the evolution of Sattriya. Her dedication helped the form gain national recognition and inclusion among India’s eight major classical dance forms.
National and International Contributions
Indira Bora was the first dancer to perform Sattriya and Devadasi Nritya on BBC Television in London in 1985. She also became the first Indian artist to archive her Sattriya dance compositions at the prestigious Lincoln Centre for Performing Arts, New York. Her performances across the USA, Vietnam, New Zealand, and other countries introduced audiences worldwide to the spiritual rhythm of Assamese Sattriya.
Her efforts were instrumental in giving Sattriya a national identity and motivating other practitioners to explore its aesthetic depth and devotional significance.
Awards and Recognition
Indira P. P. Bora’s contribution to Indian performing arts has been widely recognized:
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Sangeet Natak Akademi Award – 1996 (for Sattriya Dance)
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State Bishnu Rabha Award – 2004
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Jonaki Award – for distinguished female performing artist
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Senior Fellowship from the Department of Culture, Government of India
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Padma Shri Award – 2020 (for Arts)
Each recognition marks her lifelong journey to preserve and popularize Sattriya dance both in India and abroad.
Legacy and Philosophy
At 75, Indira Bora continues to inspire the younger generation with her motto: “Age should never stop your movement; dance keeps the soul young.” She emphasizes discipline, humility, and education for aspiring dancers, believing that cultural art should coexist with formal education for a balanced life.
Her daughter Meneka P. P. Bora, also an accomplished dancer, continues her legacy—together symbolizing Assam’s artistic heritage and women’s empowerment through dance.
Conclusion
Padma Shri Indira P. P. Bora remains an iconic figure in the Indian classical dance landscape. Her tireless devotion transformed Sattriya from a monastic ritual into a celebrated global art form. Through her artistry, teaching, and vision, she not only preserved Assam’s cultural identity but also illuminated India’s classical tradition on the world stage.
Quick Info About Indira P. P. Bora
| Aspect | Details |
|---|---|
| Full Name | Indira P. P. Bora |
| Born | 1949 in Golaghat, Assam (India) |
| Profession | Classical Dancer & Cultural Promoter |
| Dance Forms | Sattriya , Bharatanatyam, Kuchipudi |
| Founder of | Kalabhumi Institute (1982, Assam) |
| Awards | Padma Shri (2020), Sangeet Natak Akademi Award (1996), State Bishnu Rabha Award (2004) |
| Major Guru(s) | Rukmini Devi Arundale, Vempati Chinna Satyam, Rosheswar Saikia Barbayan |
| Key Contributions | Promoting Sattriya Dance Globally, Research & Documentation |
| Notable Performance | BBC London (1985), Lincoln Centre NYC |
| Legacy | Mentor to Many Artists |
FAQs on Indira P. P. Bora
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Who is Indira P. P. Bora?
Indira P. P. Bora is a Padma Shri award-winning Sattriya dancer from Assam known for popularizing Assamese classical dance globally. -
What is Indira P. P. Bora famous for?
She is renowned for her mastery in Sattriya, Bharatanatyam, and Kuchipudi and for founding Kalabhumi, Assam’s first cultural academy. -
Where was Indira P. P. Bora born?
She was born in 1949 in Golaghat district of Assam, India. -
Which awards has Indira P. P. Bora received?
Her honors include Padma Shri (2020), Sangeet Natak Akademi Award (1996), and State Bishnu Rabha Award (2004). -
What is Sattriya Nritya?
Sattriya is a classical dance form from Assam introduced by Srimanta Sankaradeva as a devotional art in Vaishnav monasteries. -
What is Kalabhumi?
Kalabhumi is a cultural institution founded by Indira P. P. Bora in 1982 to train students in Sattriya and Bharatanatyam. -
Where has Indira Bora performed internationally?
She has performed in the UK, USA, Vietnam, and New Zealand, representing Assamese classical dance globally. -
Who were her dance gurus?
She trained under Rukmini Devi Arundale (Kalakshetra), Vempati Chinna Satyam (Kuchipudi), and Rosheswar Saikia Barbayan (Sattriya). -
Who continues Indira P. P. Bora’s legacy?
Her daughter Meneka P. P. Bora, a renowned dancer and choreographer, carries forward her mission. -
How did Indira Bora influence Assamese culture?
She played a pivotal role in bringing Sattriya to mainstream India and promoting Assam’s cultural identity worldwide.