Mridusmita Das Bora, Guwahati, Assam – From the tender age of five, when she first stepped into the world of Bharatnatyam, Mridusmita Das Bora has been on a remarkable journey of artistic exploration and cultural revival. Today, she stands as a celebrated Sattriya dancer, entrepreneur, and cultural ambassador, whose contributions are enriching Assam’s artistic heritage and making her a beacon of inspiration for many.
Mridusmita Das Bora’s Early Passion for Dance and the Transition to Sattriya
Mridusmita’s passion for classical dance was ignited at a very young age. Starting with Bharatnatyam, she was introduced to the world of rhythm, grace, and expression early on. However, as she grew, her journey took a pivotal turn when she was introduced to Sattriya, one of Assam’s most revered classical dance forms. The transition from Bharatnatyam to Sattriya wasn’t just a change of style; it was the beginning of her deep connection with her cultural roots.
Mastering Sattriya: A Commitment to Preserving Tradition
Sattriya, a dance form with over 500 years of history, had a rich legacy that Mridusmita felt compelled to embrace. With rigorous training and a deep understanding of the nuances of the dance form, she not only mastered it but began to add her own unique touch. Mridusmita’s journey as a Sattriya dancer was marked by her commitment to preserving and promoting the ancient art form. She has performed on numerous prestigious stages across India and internationally, earning accolades for her expressive performances.
Her dedication and exceptional talent have earned her the prestigious Ustad Bismillah Khan Yuva Puraskar, one of the highest recognitions in the field of arts, awarded by the Sangeet Natak Akademi. This honor recognizes her invaluable contribution to the preservation and propagation of Sattriya dance, and it highlights her efforts to bring the centuries-old tradition into the contemporary cultural landscape. Mridusmita is known for her experimental approach to Sattriya, where she blends traditional movements with contemporary themes, adding a fresh perspective to the ancient dance form without compromising its integrity.
Academic Excellence and the Entrepreneurial Spirit
While Mridusmita’s artistry has taken her to international platforms, her journey has also been defined by academic excellence. After her early exposure to the arts, she pursued her higher education with the same level of dedication. She graduated with distinction from Lady Shri Ram College for Women in Delhi, a premier institution known for its academic rigor. She then went on to pursue a postgraduate degree in International Relations from Jawaharlal Nehru University (JNU), New Delhi, one of the top universities in India.
Though her academic achievements were remarkable, her passion for the arts remained a guiding force in her life. This passion inspired her to seek ways to integrate her love for Assamese culture with her entrepreneurial spirit. Thus, in 2023, she founded COPO, a unique art studio dedicated to promoting Assamese craftsmanship. The establishment of Copo was not just a business venture; it was a mission to bring Assam’s rich cultural heritage to the global stage.
COPO: A Bridge Between Tradition and Modernity
Copo specializes in transforming traditional Assamese weaves and crafts into contemporary designs that resonate with modern tastes while maintaining the essence of the traditional art forms. Through Copo, Mridusmita aims to create a bridge between Assam’s time-honored craftsmanship and the global market. The studio offers a range of handloom sarees, stoles, and handicrafts, each piece telling a story of Assamese culture. In addition to textiles, Copo installs and showcases artworks that are quintessentially Assamese, reviving and reinterpreting the state’s cultural heritage for modern audiences, both in India and abroad.
Through Copo, Mridusmita has set out to provide Assam’s artisans with a global platform to showcase their skills. By offering a mix of contemporary flair and traditional aesthetics, she has succeeded in attracting a new audience—one that seeks to wear and appreciate Assamese art while also preserving the state’s historical identity. “Through Copo, I aim to give Assam’s artisans a global stage while keeping the essence of our traditions alive,” says Mridusmita.
Impact and Legacy: Inspiring the Future
Her venture has quickly grown into a hub for those seeking high-quality souvenirs and art pieces that reflect Assam’s rich cultural identity. This success has provided much-needed support to local artisans, helping them sustain their craft and take pride in their heritage. The demand for Copo’s products has allowed for the revitalization of Assamese craftsmanship, offering artisans a source of income and recognition they might not have achieved otherwise.
Mridusmita’s journey has been defined by an unwavering commitment to both art and community. Whether dazzling audiences with her Sattriya performances or redefining Assamese craftsmanship through Copo, she has made a lasting impact in her home state and beyond. Her ability to seamlessly blend tradition with modernity reflects her belief in cultural evolution, ensuring that her art and business ventures stay relevant in a rapidly changing world.
Conclusion: A Cultural Ambassador for Assam
As Assam looks to the future, it is trailblazers like Mridusmita Das Bora who ensure that its traditions are not only remembered but celebrated globally. Her journey is an example of how dedication to one’s roots can inspire change, foster growth, and help create a brighter future for others.
