West Medinipur, India — Emerging from the serene landscapes of Mohanpur in West Medinipur, Dr. Ananya Das Mahapatra has crafted an inspiring path defined by resilience, cultural enrichment, and women empowerment. Born to Atin and Jayashree Dasmahapatra, she grew up embracing education and traditional values. Today, alongside her supportive husband, Mr. Shyamapada Sahoo, she is at the forefront of women’s education and community development.
A Journey of Academic Excellence and Cultural Passion
Dr. Mahapatra’s academic background is a testament to her commitment to learning. She holds a Master of Arts (M.A) degree in English and is trained in classical music, Rabindra Sangeet, Rabindra Nritya, and Bharatnatyam. Beyond her artistic talents, she has pursued courses in Abacus, makeup artistry, and school teachers’ training, demonstrating her passion for holistic development. Her contribution to literature is marked by her co-authorship of the book “Women Empowerment and Economic Development”, written alongside 51 authors and available on Amazon.
Rising Above Adversity
In the midst of a promising career, Dr. Mahapatra faced a life-altering diagnosis: idiopathic intracranial hypertension, a rare condition that led to vision loss. Despite the severe impact on her health, she remained steadfast in her mission to empower others. This unyielding spirit fueled the establishment of Ana Knowledge Arena Private Limited, an organization dedicated to providing education and skills training, particularly for women seeking financial independence.
ANABACUS: Empowering Women Through Education
May 2023 marked the beginning of ANABACUS, a pioneering initiative under Ana Knowledge Arena Private Limited. Designed to uplift women, ANABACUS offers Abacus training, opening pathways to financial independence and career opportunities. Under Dr. Mahapatra’s leadership, the program has grown rapidly, equipping women and girls with the skills to secure their own livelihoods.
Celebrating Cultural Excellence on the International Stage
Dr. Mahapatra’s artistic achievements extend beyond borders. She was invited to perform at the International Dance Festival of Bangladesh, where her breathtaking performance earned her the title of Best Dancer. This international recognition not only highlighted her talent but also her dedication to cultural preservation and expression.
Her journey, however, has not been without hardship. After the loss of her child during pregnancy and a resurgence of her nerve issues, she found strength in her family’s support and continued to pursue her dreams with renewed passion.
Launching Ana Kids: A New Chapter in Education
On January 22, 2025, Dr. Mahapatra founded Ana Kids, a play school aimed at nurturing young minds with strong cultural values and quality education. Plans are already underway to transform Ana Kids into a full-fledged high school, focusing on holistic development grounded in tradition and modern learning.
Recognizing a Legacy of Empowerment
Dr. Mahapatra’s contributions have earned her numerous accolades, including the prestigious Bharat Ratna Gourav Award from the National Education Forum in April 2025. Her dedication to cultural preservation and women’s empowerment has been recognized through honors like the Ananya Samman, Serar Sera Samman, Bengal Icon, Srestha Bangali, Sampurna Samman, Natya Mohini Award for Dance, Bongo Shrestha Samman for Dance, and Doshobhuja Samman. Each award marks a milestone in her journey of inspiring change, showcasing her commitment to education, dance, and societal growth.
Building a Future Rooted in Empowerment and Education
Dr. Ananya Das Mahapatra continues to inspire countless individuals through her work with Ana Knowledge Arena and Ana Kids. With plans to launch a high school in the coming years, her vision of education enriched with cultural values remains strong and clear. Her unwavering dedication serves as a beacon of hope and empowerment for women and young minds alike.