Born :- 24-Aug-1944
Died :- 24-Jun-1997
Place of Birth :- Berhampur, Odisha

Smt. Sanjukta Panigrahi (1944–1997) was one of the most celebrated pioneers of modern Odissi dance and an iconic figure who played a decisive role in establishing Odissi as a major Indian classical dance tradition on national and international platforms. Born on 24 August 1944 in Berhampur, Odisha, she displayed exceptional talent for dance from an early age. She received rigorous training under Guru Kelucharan Mohapatra, whose guidance profoundly shaped her artistic style and discipline. Her performances were distinguished by remarkable grace, expressive abhinaya, lyrical movements, spiritual intensity and a rare ability to communicate the emotional essence of poetry and music through dance. She formed an exceptional artistic partnership with her husband, renowned Odissi musician Pandit Raghunath Panigrahi, with whom she presented numerous memorable productions based on Odissi music and the poetry of Jayadeva. Their collaboration greatly enriched the presentation of Gita Govinda and helped popularise Odissi music and dance beyond Odisha.

Major Contributions :- Sanjukta Panigrahi contributed significantly to the performance, teaching, choreography and international promotion of Odissi. Through extensive performances in India and abroad, she emerged as one of Odisha’s foremost cultural ambassadors. Her artistic excellence, expressive depth and spiritual approach to dance helped elevate Odissi to a prominent position on the national and international stage.

Awards and Honours :- In recognition of her outstanding contribution to Indian classical dance, she was honoured with the Padma Shri in 1975 and the Padma Bhushan in 1985 by the Government of India. She also received the Sangeet Natak Akademi Award in 1976, jointly with Pandit Raghunath Panigrahi, for their outstanding contribution to Odissi.

Smt. Sanjukta Panigrahi passed away on 24 June 1997 in Kolkata. She remains an enduring symbol of the elegance, expressive richness and spiritual depth of Odissi, and her remarkable legacy continues to inspire generations of dancers.