Guruji continues to be in coma. His brain is dead but vital organs are functioning. (11 pm on Friday)
Some eminent doctors from India and abroad visited him and discussed with the doctors
who are attending to him at the Applo Hospital in Bhubaneswar. All opine that only a miracle can bring Guruji back to life.
Of course, miracles happen. Our worldwide collective prayer can cause a miracle.
Heart-touching messages are pouring in for him from far and wide. Not only the Odissi family, but dancers from other traditions and nations are praying for him. So also artistes from other streams and people in general as well.
Guru Gangadhar has touched so many hearts...... The mail that I just received from Durga Bor and wished to share with all speaks of one such example.
Regards,
From: Durga Bor <durg...@yahoo.com>
Subject: Re: Guruji
To: "Shyamhari" <shya...@yahoo.com>
Date: Friday, 8 October, 2010, 2:54 PM
Shyamhari, I began with Guruji in 1989. I learned for five years in Delhi, and then got a grant from U.S. (where I'm from) to study with Kelubabu, but he had his first heart attack around then and D.N. Patnaik sent me to Guruji. I was fortunate to have had him teach me right before he became so popular, because he actually had time for me back then. I lived in Holland from 1981 to 1994 and brought him there to teach for six weeks and then when I got a job teaching at Cornell we had a grant to bring Asian artists to teach courses, and I suggested Guruji. That was Fall of 2003. I was already pretty close to him and his family before that, but he brought his wife, and treated me like their daughter...even though I think I'm older than his wife. I ate dinner with them every night for five months and Guruji taught me daily during that time. We co-taught two classes at Cornell, and he did a marvelous job. I
am feeling very sad, because I know what he was building. I think his hyperactivity and inability to relax brought this on. He had a good diet, but was always so tense. No one has the energy he had to continue his dream. Aruna and the others can carry on his dance, but no one else can carry on. He brought the Gotipua back to life, and gave village children a chance to learn an art form. I wish I could be there to give support to his loved ones right now and feel helpless. I plan on coming to India in the spring. I've applied for a grant to return. I haven't seen Guruji in five years, I was last there in 2005 and he came here right after I returned to tour with ODA. They gave a marvelous performance at Cornell University. Thanks for responding. You must be inundated with inquiries about guruji's health since you put it out on the Odissi e-mail group. I think I'm not on that
group, but a friend forwarded your original message. Please keep us posted. Best, Durga Bor
Thank you Shyamhari. I've studied with him since 1989, and co-taught with him at Cornell University. I feel very close to him and his wife, and feel the world of Odissi has lost a major figure. I'm feeling very sad indeed. Best, Durga Bor
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From: Durga Bor <durg...@yahoo.com>
Subject: Guruji
To: shya...@yahoo.com
Date: Thursday, 7 October, 2010, 12:55 PM
Please keep me informed of Guruji's condition. I don't seem to be in the Odissi group anymore, but heard of his condition via another member.
Thank you,
Durga Bor
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