Laxmidhar Rout (Gayak Samrat)
Chairman, Shree Jagannath Pala Research Foundation
Born in 1943 in village Charapara, district Kendrapara, Odisha. Shri Laxmidhar Rout received his initial learning in Pala from Guru Damodar Sarangi followed by training under Guru Baishnaba Charan Pradhan. Since his childhood he has presented innumerable Pala performance throughout the state Odisha, Bihar, West Bengal and various Pala Peetha(s) of the country.
Rout has trained many young students in Pala singing with extensive knowledge of vedas and various Sanskrit texts and treatises.
Shri Laxmidhar Rout has been honored with several titles and awards in recognition of his talent including National Award from Jayadeb Council for Development of Culture, the Naba Ratna Samman by State Council for Artistic Research and Training, Odisha Sangeet Natak Academi Award and Kendra Sangeet Natak Academi Award from Honorable President of India.
Apart from this he is a good public speaker and poet who has recently translated Sanskrit Adhyatma Ramayan composed by Byasadev to Odia which is published in a big volume.