About Kala Vikash Kendra

A pioneering institution dedicated to the resurgence and preservation of Odisha’s classical performing arts — Odissi Dance, Music, and Theatre — since 1952.

Shri Babu Lal Doshi
Late Babulal Doshi

LATE BABULAL DOSHI

Unsung Freedom Activist & Cultural Patron (Gujarat)

Shri Babu Lal Doshi was a devoted patriot and cultural well-wisher from Gujarat whose life reflected a deep commitment to India’s freedom, cultural identity, and social values. His contributions, though largely unrecorded in formal historical documentation, played a meaningful role at the community level during the Indian freedom movement and in the preservation of Indian classical arts.

Role in the Indian Freedom Movement

During the period of British rule, Shri Babu Lal Doshi actively associated himself with local nationalist activities that supported the broader objectives of India’s struggle for independence. He participated in and supported community-based initiatives aimed at spreading national consciousness, encouraging public participation, and strengthening collective resistance against colonial authority.

His work at the grassroots level reflected the spirit of countless unsung individuals whose quiet service sustained the momentum of the freedom movement. Guided by ideals of self-reliance, discipline, and social responsibility, he remained committed to the cause of the nation without seeking recognition or reward.

Contribution to Indian Dance and Culture

Beyond his patriotic role, Shri Babu Lal Doshi was a sincere admirer of Indian art and culture. He believed that classical and traditional art forms were essential to preserving India’s civilisational values, especially at a time when indigenous culture faced erosion under colonial influence.

He viewed music and dance not merely as forms of entertainment, but as instruments of cultural education, moral discipline, and national awakening. Through encouragement and moral support, he contributed to the nurturing of cultural awareness within society, particularly among the younger generation.

Odissi Dance and Kala Vikash Kendra

Shri Babu Lal Doshi made a valuable contribution to the promotion of Odissi dance through his association with Kala Vikash Kendra, an institution internationally respected for its role in the preservation and propagation of Indian classical dance. He held Odissi in high regard as a sacred and spiritual art form rooted in temple tradition, classical literature, and the Guru–Shishya Parampara.

Through guidance, encouragement, and moral patronage, he supported the artistic mission of Kala Vikash Kendra, helping to foster an environment where young dancers could pursue Odissi with discipline, devotion, and aesthetic integrity. His support strengthened the institutional ecosystem essential for sustaining classical arts.

Legacy

Shri Babu Lal Doshi is remembered with respect as an unsung freedom activist and a quiet patron of Indian culture. His life stands as a reminder that the nation’s freedom and cultural continuity were shaped not only by prominent leaders and performers, but also by dedicated individuals who worked selflessly behind the scenes.

His legacy continues to inspire values of patriotism, cultural responsibility, and service to society, resonating strongly with the artistic vision and heritage of Kala Vikash Kendra.

History

Kala Vikash Kendra (KVK), Cuttack, stands as a cornerstone in India’s cultural renaissance, especially in the domain of Odissi performing arts. Established in 1952, KVK became the nurturing ground for the revival of Odissi dance, music, and drama — traditions that today illuminate India’s artistic identity across the world.

Odisha is known land of excellence in art and architecture. It has played a significant role in maintaing cultural values trough finest artistic sensibilities. However, the mosaic scenario of ce, Music and Literature remained out of focus for 400 year rule and freedom movement. Babulal Doshi, a cultural minded person of Cuttack, took the challenge to develop and start an institution with some of his friends/ Patrons to propagate the traditional performing art forms. Thus was born KALA VIKASH KENDRA (KVK) on 10th Act (XXI of 1860) on 22nd June 1954. Padma shri Pranakrushna Parija (an eminent scientist) became it's first President. Eminent singer Biswanath Rao became it's secretary. it is relevant to mention here that former Chief Minister of Odisha Dr. Harekrushna Mahatab, Padma Bhushan Dr. Radhanath Rath, Freedom fighter Baikunthanath Mohanty, former Acting President of India B.D Jatti, Mishra, Justice Harihar Mahapatra, Former Chief Justice of India Justice Ranganath Mishra, Padmashree Kali Charan Pattanayakk, Padmashreee Dr. Sadasiva Mishra and Padma shri Shyamamani Devi and many others were deeply associated for growth of KVK. The determination, eminence, devotion and sacrifices of Babulal Doshi made this institution the biggest of it's kind in India.

LOCATION



Kala Vikash Kendra is situated in the heart of Millennium Silver City of Cuttack (Odisha), which is surrounded by historical Barabati Fort, Barabati Stadium, Ravenshaw University and birth place of Netaji Subash Ch. Bose. Accessibility to reach from all over India is possible by Air, Rail or by Road. Nearest rail head is Cuttack (CTC) and nearest airport is Bhubaneswar having airport code (BBI). As a mark of prime land mark identification the Cuttack Municipal Corporation (CMC) has named the road as 'KVK Marg' connecting from Cambridge & Convent school to Buxi Bazar.

PRESENT SCENARIO



Presently KVK i is managed by a registered society having if eet who form the General Body and elect the executive Committee once in three years. The Kendra is under the control of the Trust Board, an apex body. KVK runs a College of Indian Dances and Music. This presently affiliated to Akhila Bharatiya Gandharv Mahavidyalaya Mandal, Miraj (Maharashtra) and Odisha Sangeet Natak Academy for Hindustani vocal, Odissi Vocal, Violin, Sitar, Flute, Mardala, Tabla and Odissi Dance upto post-graduate level. Fine Art section is affillated to Odisha Lalit Kala Academy. At the intermediate level of training equal importance is given to the practical, theoretical and short performances on stage. Physical exercise is daliy routine dance section to keep the body in perfect order and supply. "Jayantika" or Guru Kelu Charan style of Odissi with purity and perfection are of prime focus. This blending of technique places Kendra at a lofty pedestal. The college has eight big halls and two small rooms for classes besides having a mini, demonstration stage-cum-auditorium in the first floor. The ground floor houses the Administrative wing, Museum, Research wing and a Conference Hall. A library hall has been constructed in 1997, as an annexe. Attached to this there is a sprawling well equipped stage cum auditorium with a balcony having total sitting capacity of 750. There is a Girls' hostel and Working Women's Hostel in the east wing of the complex. Besides it also has mini auditorium for cultural presentations, museum of various vintage music, music instruments, costume and a separate meeting hall.

STRUGGLE & ACHIEVEMENT



KALA VIKASH KENDRA, CUTTACK is not just any other institution of performing arts. It was established with a clear focus on reviving, restructuring, and enhancing the features of Odissi dance, drama, folk dance, and culture, as well as promoting modern cultural extravaganzas. Founder Babu Lal Doshi motivated the teachers and trainees to concentrate on various palm-leaf texts, temple arts, and other treatises so that the traditional form and content could be restructured based on authenticated inputs. It is through the dedicated efforts of everyone at the Kendra that Odissi dance, within a decade (1954–1964), was recognized as a classical style. Later, in 1966, the Sangeet Natak Akademi categorized Odissi dance as a Classical Form of Dance. The first-generation Gurus of KVK—such as Guru Kelucharan Mohapatra (later conferred with the Padma Vibhushan) and Guru Mayadhar Raut (later conferred with the Padma Shri) in Odissi dance, and the great luminary Balakrushna Dash in music—played a pivotal role in establishing the Kendra as the Mother Centre of Odissi. The illustrious dancers groomed here include Padma Shri Sanjukta Panigrahi, Padma Vibhushan Sonal Mansingh, Padma Shri Kumkum Mohanty, Hare Krushna Behera, Ramani Ranjan Jena, to mention just a few among many others. The Kendra remains one of the most reputed institutions for Odissi performances and is frequently invited to present programs in major cities across India and abroad. The unique choreography of dance dramas like Meghadoota, Geeta Govinda, Krushna Leela, and others continues to be staged at many prestigious venues across India and the world. Dances were presented before and appreciated by many distinguished dignitaries, including the first Prime Minister of India, Pandit Jawaharlal Nehru; U. Nu of Burma; the then President of India, Dr. Sarvepalli Radhakrishnan; President R. Venkataraman; and President Dr. Shankar Dayal Sharma. Many of our dance dramas, performed by the Kendra’s artistes’ group, were recorded by the Central Production Centre of Doordarshan, Delhi, for national telecast. Besides this, we also have in our repertory a wide range of Folk Dances of Odisha. Artistes of the Kendra have performed at numerous national and international platforms, including the Taj Festival, Konark Dance Festival, Rajarani Dance Festival, and Mukteswar Dance Festival. On several occasions, the Kendra has been invited by the Rashtrapati Bhavan to perform in New Delhi. Kala Vikash Kendra is committed to promoting classical dance, vocal music, and instrumental music. Accordingly, it regularly imparts training in Odissi dance, Classical Vocal, and Instrumental Music. To encourage talents belonging to socially and economically weaker sections, KVK— with the assistance of the Cuttack Municipal Corporation (CMC)—conducts short-term courses through the Centre for Performing Arts to nurture and empower hidden talents, helping them emerge as frontline performers. Similarly, to support financially weaker yet promising talents, Justice Dipak Misra, former Chief Justice of India, has instituted a contributory stipend awarded to selected students. Furthermore, to inspire the younger generation towards classical dance, music, art, and theatre, the Kendra organizes an annual summer workshop titled “PRATIVA ANWESANA” on various subjects. More than 300 students participate in this workshop every year, receiving training from experts. The Kendra also organizes the “Cuttack Kala Vikash Kendra Mahotsav,” an annual three-day festival of Indian Classical Dance, Vocal Music, and Instrumental Music, where eminent artists from across India are invited to perform. The Kendra celebrated its Golden Jubilee in 2003 and its Diamond Jubilee in 2012.

RESEARCH SECTION



This section is affiliated with the International Folk Music Council of London. Between 1958 and 1962, extensive research and documentation were conducted in seven districts of Odisha on Tribal Dance and Music. The monographs published during that period were highly acclaimed and in great demand. Currently, fresh research is being carried out and digitally documented for virtual dissemination.

PERFORMING ARTISTES GROUP



The College maintains a repertory group, whose members receive a stipend to learn and practice new dance compositions and to perform whenever required within and outside Odisha. Their presentations uphold the traditional purity of Odissi dance and Folk dances.

FINE ARTS CENTRE



This centre is affiliated with the Lalit Kala Akademi, Bhubaneswar. At this stage, we continue to strive to preserve the traditional style and to reject the artificial glamour of commercial practices, ensuring that Odissi is protected from further degeneration.

Vision & Mission

Our Vision

To be India’s leading centre of excellence in classical performing arts, celebrating and promoting Odissi across global cultural platforms.

Our Mission

  • Preserve and promote Odissi dance, music, and theatre.
  • Encourage research and documentation of classical art forms.
  • Train young aspirants through guru–shishya parampara.
  • Organize workshops, festivals, and academic seminars.
  • Collaborate with national and international cultural institutions.

Administration

Late Babu Lal Doshi

Founder, Kala Vikash Kendra

(Short biodata goes here)
Example: Shri Babu Lal Doshi was the visionary whose dedication laid the foundation of Kala Vikash Kendra in 1952. With a deep commitment to Odisha’s cultural revival, he played an instrumental role in nurturing Odissi dance, music, and theatre into globally acclaimed art forms.

Shri Ravindra Nath Mohanty, BA LLB

Managing Trustee

(Short biodata placeholder)
Add his professional background, contribution to administration, achievements, involvement in art and culture, leadership roles, etc.

Shri Bijayananda Singh

President

(Short biodata placeholder)
Insert biographical details such as his role, experience, achievements, and contribution toward strengthening Kala Vikash Kendra’s cultural mission.

Shri Bikash Chandra Dash

Vice-President cum General Secretary

(Short biodata placeholder)
Add contributions, qualifications, and role in organisational activities and cultural programs.

Shri __________________

Secretary

Biodata will be added soon.

Shri __________________

Joint Secretary

Biodata will be added soon.

Rabindra Nath Jata

Principal cum Administrative Officer

Add academic background, experience, published works, contribution to institution, and years of service.Add academic background, experience, published works, contribution to institution, and years of service.Add academic background, experience, published works, contribution to institution, and years of service.Add academic background, experience, published works, contribution to institution, and years of service.Add academic background, experience, published works, contribution to institution, and years of service.Add academic background, experience, published works, contribution to institution, and years of service.Add academic background, experience, published works, contribution to institution, and years of service.

Free Web Hosting