Posted on 28 September 2025:
Celebrating Dr. Pompi Paul—A Global Ambassador of Odissi Dance
Dr. Pompi Paul, a renowned Odissi dancer from Jalpaiguri, West Bengal, has earned international acclaim for her graceful artistry and dedication to classical Indian dance.
In 2022, Dr. Pompi Paul proudly presented Odissi in various cultral programs during the prestigious G20 Summit in Bali, Indonesia.
Her talent has taken her to major dance festivals across India, Europe, and SAARC nations, where she continues to mesmerize audiences with her expressive movements and deep cultural connection.
As an empanelled artiste of the Indian Council for Cultural Relations (ICCR) and the Eastern Zonal Cultural Centre, Dr. Paul plays a vital role in promoting India’s rich heritage on global stages. A senior disciple of Guru Poushali Mukherjee, she carries forward the legacy of the legendary Guru Kelucharan Mohapatra, embodying the elegance and spiritual depth of his Odissi style.
Spreading the Grace of Odissi Across Borders
Dr. Pompi Paul’s journey as an Odissi dancer is a beautiful example of how art can build bridges between cultures.
From July 2019 to January 2022, she served as an Odissi Dance Teacher-cum-performer at the Swami Vivekananda Cultural Centre in Bali, under the Consulate General of India and the Ministry of External Affairs.
Her choreography and performances during various community events in Bali—including those held for Prime Minister Narendra Modi—highlight her dedication to showcasing India’s classical heritage on global platforms.
Her artistic reach extends to Poland, where she collaborates with the dance group ‘Taal’ in Chorzow, and to Bangladesh, where she was recently invited to lead a workshop in Chittagong.
Through every performance and teaching moment, Dr. Paul continues to share the soul of Odissi with the world.
Nurturing Tradition Through Education
Pompi is a devoted artist and educator whose journey in Odissi dance is rooted in deep learning and passionate teaching.
She earned her Master’s degree under Guru Muralidhar Majhi and completed her Ph.D. under Dr. Sruti Bandopadhay at Rabindra Bharati University.
As a researcher, she worked on a major project exploring modern dance in India and received a Junior Fellowship from the Ministry of Culture. Dr. Pompi Paul blends tradition and scholarship, making her a true ambassador of Indian classical dance
She served as a Guest Lecturer at Rabindra Bharati University and Ananda Chandra Training College, and actively conducts workshops and lecture demonstrations in government schools through SPICMACAY and IRCEN. She also volunteers for SPICMACAY and started its Jalpaiguri Chapter.
In 2008, she founded Kalpodip in Jalpaiguri to promote Odissi in North Bengal.
A Journey of Grace and Glory
Pompi stands as a radiant figure in the world of Odissi dance, celebrated for her elegance, devotion and artistic brilliance.
Honored with the prestigious Guru Kelucharan Mohapatra Yuva Prativa Samman in 2024, she has also received national and university scholarships for her talent.
Her journey includes top positions in youth festivals and competitions, and she has earned titles like Sringar Mani, Nritya Bhusan, and Odissi Jyoti from respected institutions across India.
In 2012, she was recognized as one of the top 10 Odissi dancers globally at the Odissi International Festival in Bhubaneswar—a true testament to her artistry and passion.
Dancing Through Devotion and Dialogue
Dr. Pompi Paul’s Odissi creations are a radiant tapestry of rhythm, emotion and storytelling. From the thunderous pulse of Shiv Tandav Stotram to the serene devotion of Jagannath Astakam, each performance breathes life into tradition while embracing fresh artistic spirit. With musical brilliance from Guru Dhaneswar Swain and Guru Srinibas Satapathy, her dances glide through intricate ragas and talas, painting stories in motion. These are not mere performances—they are living poems, echoing centuries of culture.
In her international project Ramayani, Dr. Paul joins hands with Prof. Dr. I Wayan Dibia and the GEOKS team to unite India and Indonesia through Odissi and Balinese dance. Together, they retell the epic Ramayana with grace and depth, staging powerful scenes like Ramavirbhav, Sita Svayamvara, and Cry of Sita at celebrated cultural platforms in Ayodhya, Vadodara, and beyond. Supported by the Indian Council for Cultural Relations, Ramayani stands as a luminous tribute to shared heritage and artistic harmony.
THROUGH WORKSHOPS, LECTURES AND CULTURAL PROGRAMS—ESPECIALLY WITH SPICMACAY AND IRCEN—POMPI CONTINUES TO INSPIRE YOUNG MINDS, BLENDING TRADITION WITH FRESH PERSPECTIVES.
