Sadhana, the daily dance practice, serves as a sacred space for dancers immersed in Odissi, a traditional art form from eastern India. Through the daily practice of foundational steps and canonical repertoire, every Odissi dancer asserts her identity in the dance world. This space is also one of innovation and resistance, as highlighted by dance scholar and filmmaker Nandini Sikand. Odissi dancer Bijayini Satpathy finds this space crucial for intentional corporeal exploration and expansion, while educator-choreographer Rohini Dandavate sees it as generative for socio-political relevance. From Mangalacharan (invocation) to Moksha (transformative freedom), the life and spirit of every Odissi dancer are animated.

This conference aims to engage with traditional configurations and propositions of Odissi while integrating social justice initiatives such as anti-caste, anti-racist, anti-imperialist, anti-capitalist, and anti-classist resistance. To ensure inclusivity, the conference will be held online via video conferencing, with an in-person component for the local Indian community and the regional and national Odissi dancer community.