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Legendary Gussadi Dance Maestro Kanaka Raju Passes Away

in National October 26, 2024 Comments Off on Legendary Gussadi Dance Maestro Kanaka Raju Passes Away 238 Views

Newdelhi:26/10/24:cTelangana is mourning the loss of Gussadi dance icon Kanaka Raju, who passed away on Friday at the age of 84 due to age-related issues. Known as “Gussadi Raju,” he dedicated his life to preserving and promoting the traditional Gussadi dance, a significant part of the cultural heritage of the Gonds. His final rites will be performed on Saturday in his native village of Marlawai in Jainoor Mandal.

CM Revanth Reddy said, “Gussadi Dancer, Padma Shri Gussadi Kanakaraj passes away Shocked. May his soul rest in peace…Praying to God…To his family members…My deepest sympathy.”

Lok Sabha Speaker Om Birla said, “Saddened by the loss of Shri Kanaka Raju ji, iconic Gussadi dance master & Padma Shri recipient. His dedication to preserving India’s traditional dance forms inspires generations. Tribute to a cultural legend. Om Shanti.”

Kanaka Raju was a pivotal figure in popularising the Gussadi dance for over four decades. He trained thousands of dancers and worked tirelessly to keep this traditional art form alive. In recognition of his contributions, the Government of India honored him with the Padma Shri in 2021,  Kanaka Raju School of Gussadi Dance was established in Adilabad in 2022, where he served as the chief dance master.

Kanaka Raju’s passing is a significant loss to Telangana’s cultural landscape, as he was a torchbearer for indigenous traditions and the Gussadi dance form.

Prime Minister Shri Narendra Modi condoled the passing of Shri Kanaka Raju Ji, a prolific dancer and cultural icon. Shri Modi hailed his rich contribution to preserving Gussadi dance and his dedication and passion for ensuring the important aspects of cultural heritage flourish in their authentic form.

 In a post on X, Shri Modi wrote:

“Saddened by the passing of Shri Kanaka Raju Ji, a prolific dancer and cultural icon. His rich contribution to preserving Gussadi dance will always motivate the coming generations. His dedication and passion ensured that important aspects of cultural heritage can flourish authentically. Condolences to his family and admirers. Om Shanti.”

About Editor in chief

Ashok Palit has completed his graduation from Upendranath College Soro, Balasore and post graduation from Utkal University in Odia Language and literture.. He has also carved out a niche for himself as a scribe of eminence after joining the profession in 1988. He is also an independent media production professional. He brings loads of experience to Advanced Media, Ashok Palit as a cineaste has been active in film criticism for over three decades. As a film society activist, he soared to eminence for his profound commitment to the art film appreciation and aesthetics of cinema. His mode of discourse is often erudite but always lucid and comprehensible marked by a perfect acumen so rare in the field. A film aesthete with an immense fond of critical sensibilities, he wrote about growth and development of odia cinema in New Indian Express, The Times of India, The Hindustan Times, The Asian Age and Screen. He has been working as an Editor for Cine Samaya from 2002-2004.. He had made solid contribution on cinema in many odia Dailies and weekly such as Samaj, Prajatantra, Dharatri, Samaya, Satabadi, and weekly Samaya.
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