Minu's enthusiasm for Odissi has translated into two organisations--Nrityadhara and Pallavi. The former, established in 2001, organises cultural programmes and undertakes research in dance. Minu is Nrityadhara's convenor. "Our aim is to explore and revive the dance heritage of Bengal. We hope to make a strong impact in the cultural arena. This is captured in our slogan: In quest of an indigenous dance heritage," asserts Minu.

Among Nrityadhara's milestones is a dance performance in December 2003, at the renowned Nandikar (a Kolkata-based drama group) drama festival. "Every year Nandikar features Bangladeshi drama groups. This was the first time that they took a dance group from Bangladesh to a Nandikar drama festival," maintains Minu. The festival featured a variety of dances-- Odissi, Bharatnatyam, folk, fusion, classical, modern, Manipuri, and Kathak.

There are other firsts, such as a three-day dance festival in 2002 at the National Museum. The participants in the festival were several institutions, classical dancers as well indigenous dancers such as Chakmas, Santals and Garos.

Minu's second organisation, Pallavi Indian Classical Dance School, runs Odissi classes. Established in 1997, Pallavi is the first school for Odissi in Bangladesh. "Teaching is my passion," maintains Minu, dance choreographer and teacher at Pallavi.

And what about the future? One plan is to introduce Yoga in dance. Minu's other aim is to encourage her students to be full fledged artistes. As she says, all her classical dance classes have yoga-based exercises. To integrate Yoga and dance further, she plans to run special classes. "Yoga in dance is for everyone, not just dancers. Even if one doesn't know Yoga one can try," asserts Minu.

Her recipe for success: patience and hard work. "If you regularly practice Odissi dance, you can reach anywhere," she says.

Nrityadhara has planned a festival this year end. Every month, in addition, the organisation holds dance shows to promote this art form. Minu has not neglected the marginalised sections of society. "We do not ignore the social aspect," says Minu. Nrityadhara runs classes gratis for five-six children from the under privileged section and also holds lectures and seminars with artistes for the physically challenged and underprivileged.

Minu has had a long innings in the world of Odissi dance. Between 1988 and 1995 she trained under two well-known practitioners of this genreSunny Mahapatra and Ipshita Behura from India.

However, there are miles to go for Minu. Here's hoping that she will succeed in her mission to promote the graceful dance form of Odissi.