Padma Shri, another feather in cap of Odisha’s centenarian artiste Gopinath Swain

Centenarian Krishna Leela performer Gopinath Swain, a resident of Gobindapur village under Shergarh block of Ganjam district is one among the four eminent personalities from Odisha who have been chosen to receive the Padma Shri award. 

For the 108-year-old Gopinath, age is just a number. Despite his advancing age, he is still bursting with energy. Even at this age, he can give young performers a run for their money. 

His art has brought him name and fame. He has made hundreds of gurus to hone his skills and at the same time, he has made hundreds of students. He has been honoured with many awards and the recent Padma Shri is another feather in his accolades-heavy cap. 

Also Read: Padma Awards 2024: Four from Odisha conferred Padma Shri

“The villagers and my family members are happy after getting the news of my selection for the Padma Shri award. Krishna Leela performance includes the episodes starting from the birth of Lord Krishna to the slaying of King Kansa. I have been spreading the Bhagabata through song and dance. I have had hundreds of disciples,” said Swain. 

Expressing his happiness, Amit Kumar Swain, grandson of Gopinath Swain said, “We are thankful to both the state and central government to select an artiste from a nondescript Gobindapur village. Art is God-gifted. What he is today is due to his ‘sadhana’.”

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