Jayantika
At a point in the fifties, the debate on the real classicism of Odissi was at the crossroads. Some eminent Gurus, performing artists scholars and literati joined hands and formed JAYANTIKA forum at the Kala Vikas Kendra in Cuttack, Orissa, in 1958. The basic objective was to work for the development of Odissi.
All of them signed in blood, a declaration to the effect that they would conform to the technique and style to determined unanimously by all of them. Guru Mayadhar Raut, well equipped with thorough knowledge of the shastras, was one of the main forces in Jayantika. Unfortunately the forum slipped in a slumber after guru Mayadhar Raut shifted to Delhi in mid-sixties. Due to Guruji’s unstined efforts this forum was revived in Delhi on December 3, 1975. Today JAYANTIKA strives to preserve Guru Shishya parampara through its Mayadhar School of Odissi Dance by developing a profound relationship between guru and the pupils. The guru and the student stay in close association based on truth, trust, surrender and patience-qualities essential for vidyadaan. The disciple is encouraged to preserve the tradition of the gharana (school of art form), and to interpret and expand the vocabulary in that tradition and style.