S i s i r K r. B a r u a h

Nartan Kala Niketan, a leading institution of Sattriya and Kathak dance was established in 1987 in Guwahati under the guidance of Ramkrishna Talukdar. Since its inception the institution has been imparting different aspects of Sattriya and Kathak dances in the Guru-Sishya Parampara and has groomed many young talents who in turn have either obtained national Scholarships of dance from Govt. of India or become graded artists of Doordarshan. It is a matter of great pride that a student of this institution has been conferred with “Nrityashree” title by the Kiran Sangeet Samaroh, Madhya Pradesh.
In its objective of preserving and promoting the many forms of Music, Dance and Drama of Sattriya heritage, Nartan Kala Niketan has made significant contributions in scientific research, development and exposure of sattriya dance at National level and has rendered a new dimension to Sattriya dance by organizing and performing regular dance programmes in Assam and outside, seminars, lectures, demonstrations and workshop in presence of noted Gurus, Personalities, Exponents, Dance critics, Media persons etc.
Regarding other activities, Nartan Kala Niketan has performed a drama “Jatra Nastik” based on folk and Sattriya Culture in various places of Assam including Rabindra Bhawan. The drama was directed by Dimbeswar Talukdar, a reputed Drama Actor and Director and the same has been highly appreciated by the audience and the media.
“Silpateertha” a Magazine of cultural topics is being published by Nartan Kala Niketan with and objective to provide the basic knowledge of music, dance, drama etc. to all class of people.
Nartan Kala Niketan has recently gone online with their website www.sattriyaramkrishna.com, which has added a feather in its cap.
Nartan Kala Niketan in its endeavour to develop and spread the Sattriya dance has till now opened 9 (nine) branches all over Assam (Details are given beloow).
Nartan Kala Niketan
Head Office – Japorigog, Krishnanagar, Guwahati -781005.
Branches & Teachers 1. Nandan Pur (Near State Zoo) : Usha Rani Baishya
2. Zoo Narengi Tiniali.
Mrs. Rumi Talukdar and Ramkrishna Talukdar (Honorary)
3. Nartan Bitan (Anil Nagar, Guwahati) Ritamani Das
4. Talam (Nagaon) Bijaylakshmi Goswami.
5. Pathsala (Borpeta) Meghali Das
6. Agchia (Palashbari) Ajanta Mahanta
7. Arikuchi (Nalbari) Hiramoni Baishya
8. Noonmati (Guwahati) Anita Sarma
9. Jorhat Mrs. Umi P.P. Bora.
The Sattriya institution of Kolkata under the banner of “Sattriya Gurukul – Kalabati Mudra” was established on 8th August 2005 by renowned denseuse Dr. Lalita Ghosh. She learnt Sattriya dance for nine years under the tutelage of Ramkrishna Talukdar.
About Ramkrishna Talukdar
Ramkrishna Talukdar, a leading Sattriya dancer and choreographer was born and brought up in the solemn and grandeur atmosphere of Bamakhata Sattra near Pathsala of Borpeta District. He is acclaimed not only for the perfection of dance but as a creative artiste of calibre who brings depth, intensity and naturalness to his works. His artistic talent, enriched with versatility was nurtured by renown Gurus like Late Raseswar Saikia Borbayan, Sangeet Churamani Ananda Mohan Bhagawati, Guru Gobinda Saikia, Nrittacharya Jatin Goswami and Barbayan Ghanakanta Bora.
He is a topper in B. Music (Sattriya Dance) from Gauhati University and the first Assamese to obtain M.A. and M. Music in Kathak dance from IKS University. Madhya Pradesh and ABGMV Mandal, Mumbai respectively. He is also the first male “A” Grade artist of Doordarshan, New Delhi across the nation in Sattriya Dance. Ramkrishna Talukdar has toured extensively throughout India with his troupe performing Sattriya dance in a number of prestigious cultural venues and National festivals and acclaimed appreciation particularly in Kolkata, Delhi, Chennai, Mumbai, Lucknow, Madhya Pradesh, Nagpur, Haryana, Gujrat, Andaman & Nicobar island.
A pioneer of innovative Group choreography in Sattriya dance, Ramkrishna Talukdar has an intrinsic flair for Abhinaya. In his thematic presentations and in the panoramic dance-dramas, one can enjoy the aesthetic structures of Indian Classical dance in which elements of pure dance (Nritta) and expressive dance (Nritya) and drama (Natya) are well balanced. His depth of knowledge on Indian classical dance is beautifully reflected in his book “Nritya Kala Darpan” which is also recognized by Board of Secondary Education, Assam as their syllabi text book. Above all, he has been honoured with Dr. B.R. Ambedkar National Award – 2005 for his multifaceted activities relevant to Art, Culture and Education.
Senior Students
Mrs. Rumi Barman Talukdar, wife of Ramkrishna Talukdar is an accomplished Sattriya and Kathak dancer. She received her initial training in dance under Guru Ramkrishna Talukdar. She is a Nritya Visharad in Kathak dance (1994) and a “B” Grade Artiste in Sattriya dance of Doordarshan. She has travelled extensively throughout India with her Guru and performed in many dance festivals. She is a renown Bihu Rani and T.V. serial artist.
Bobby Rani Talukdar received her training in Sattriya and Kathak dance under Guru Ramkrishna Talukdar. She topped in B. Music degree in Sattriya Dance from Gauhati University and passed M.A. in Kathak dance from IKS University Madhya Pradesh. She is a “B” Grade artiste in Sattriya and Kathak dance under Doordarshan. She was awarded “Nrityashree” by Kiran Sangeet Samaroh, M.P. in 1987. She has performed various dance festivals of India with her Guru and others.
Usha Rani Baishya, a P.G. student of G.U. was initiated into dance at early age under Guru Ramkrishna Talukdar. She is a recipient of National Scholarship for Sattriya dance (2003) and a “B” grade artiste of Sattriya dance in Doordarshan, Guwahati. She has completed Nritya Visharad in Sattriya and Kathak dance in 1997 and 1998 respectively. She was selected for Bharat Jyoti Award in 2003 and got the “Best Citizen of India” award in 2004. She has performed in various national dance festival including “Guru Sishya Nrityanrimali”- a Sattriya recital at Rabindra Bhawan (2001).
Shanta Kalita received her training in dance under Guru Ramkrishna Talukdar. She is a recipient of National scholarship in Sattriya dance and has completed Nritya Visharad in Sattriya and Kathak dance in 1996 and 2000 respectively. She is a “B” Grade artist of Doordarshan Guwahati in Sattriya dance and has performed in various dance festivals all over India.
Swapnali Goswami received her training in Sattriya dance under Guru Ramkrishna Talukdar. She is a B. Music in Sattriya dance from G.U. (2000) and now studying P.G. in Vocal. She is a “B” Grade artiste of Doordarshan in Sattriya dance and has already performed in various dance festivals all over India with her Guru and others.
Rita Moni Das, a diploma of Architectural Assistanceship started learning dance at early age under Guru Ramkrishna Talukdar. She completed Nritya Visharad in Sattriya and Kathak dance in 1996 and 2001 respectively. She has performed in various National dance festival of India including “Nartan Bitan” - an evening of Sattriya dance programme at Rabindra Bhawan (2003).
Mridusmita Das, a Higher Secondary student of Assam Valley School, Tezpur was initiated into Sattriya dance under the tutelege of Guru Ramkrishna Talukdar. She has learnt Bharat Natyam from Guru Indira P.P. Bora and obtained diploma in Bharat Natyam. She has performed in various National dance festivals of India including India Habitat Center, New Delhi in 2004.
Barnali Das has had her training in classical dance under Guru Ramkrishna Talukdar. Now a student of Govt. Ayurvedic College Guwahati, she has already completed Nritya Visharad in Kathak (2003). She is a recipient of National scholarship in Sattriya dance (2004) and has performed in many dance festivals in India with Guru and others.
Vijaylakhi Goswami started learning classical dance under Guru Ramkrishna Talukdar. She is a B. Music in Sattriya dance from Guwahati University and has completed Nritya Visharad in Kathak dance. She has performed in many dance festivals throughout India.
Pahari Baruah learnt Sattriya dance under Guru Ramkrishna Talukdar. She obtained B. Music in Sattriya dance from Gauhati University. At present she is a dance teacher of Jorhat Sattriya Sangeet Mahavidyalaya under Dibrugarh University.
Ranjita Deka started learning Sattriya dance under Guru Ramkrishna Talukdar. She obtained B. Music in Sattriya dance from Gauhati University. An M.A. in Kathak dance from IKS, Madhya Pradesh, Ranjita Deka is presently teaching classical dance in Kokrajhar Music and Fine Arts College.
Mrs. Umi P.P. Bora, learnt Sattriya dance for nine years in Nartan Kala Niketan under Guru Ramkrishna Talukdar. She is a B.Music in Sattriya dance from Guwahati University & has performed in many dance festivals throughout India with her Guru. Persently she is a teacher in Sattriya dance of Nartan Kala Niketan in Jorhat branch.
Khagen Kalita learnt Sattriya dance under the guidance of Guru Ramkrishna Talukdar. Now he is a Sattriya dance teacher in Kokrajhar Music and Fine Arts College. He has participated in many dance festivals throughout India with his Guru and others.
Pankaj Baruah received his training in Sattriya dance under Guru Ramkrishna Talukdar. He is an accompany artiste of Bhortal, Tabala and Khol and has participated in many major dance festivals of India.
Dwijen Ch. Barman, an accompany artiste of Bhortal and khol is presently learning Sattriya dance under Guru Ramkrishna Talukdar. He has travelled extensively throughout India performing in various National dance festival.