West Medinipur, India – From the serene village of Mohanpur emerges a remarkable woman whose life story is a testament to strength, vision, and service. Dr. Ananya Das Mahapatra, daughter of Atin and Jayashree Dasmahapatra and wife of Mr. Shyamapada Sahoo, has turned personal trials into pathways of empowerment for women and children across India.
A Scholar Rooted in Culture
Dr. Mahapatra’s academic and cultural pursuits are as diverse as they are impressive. She holds a Master’s degree in English and has also received formal training in classical music, Rabindra Sangeet, Rabindra Nritya, and Bharatnatyam. Her multifaceted talents extend to Abacus instruction, makeup artistry, and teacher training. Her commitment to women’s progress is evident in her co-authored book “Women Empowerment and Economic Development”, available on Amazon.
Triumph Over Adversity
In the midst of a flourishing career, Dr. Mahapatra was diagnosed with idiopathic intracranial hypertension—a rare condition that led to vision loss. Yet, she remained undeterred. Instead, she founded Ana Knowledge Arena Private Limited, a platform created to empower women with skills for financial independence and self-reliance.
The Birth of ANABACUS: Empowerment Through Numbers
May 2023 saw the launch of ANABACUS, a flagship initiative under Ana Knowledge Arena. This program trains women and young girls in Abacus-based mental arithmetic, enabling them to earn and grow professionally. With Dr. Mahapatra’s leadership, ANABACUS has become a stepping stone for many toward economic independence.
International Recognition Through Dance
A cultural ambassador as well, Dr. Mahapatra’s dance journey took her to the International Dance Festival of Bangladesh, where she was honored as Best Dancer. Her talent was globally celebrated even as she privately faced personal heartbreak, including the tragic loss of her child and ongoing neurological challenges. Her unwavering strength, supported by her husband, has kept her mission alive.
Ana Kids: Nurturing Young Minds
On January 22, 2025, she extended her vision with the launch of Ana Kids, a play school that blends learning with culture. Plans are underway to evolve Ana Kids into a full-scale high school—one that cultivates academic excellence alongside deep-rooted cultural values.
Honors and Accolades
Dr. Mahapatra’s tireless efforts have earned her numerous accolades, the most notable being the Bharat Ratna Gourav Award from the National Education Forum in April 2025. Her recognition portfolio includes:
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Ananya Samman (2023)
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Serar Sera Samman (2023)
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Bengal Icon (2023)
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Srestha Bangali (2024)
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Sampurna Samman (2024)
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Natya Mohini Award for Dance
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Bongo Shrestha Samman for Dance
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Doshobhuja Samman (2024)
The Road Ahead: Building Institutions, Building Futures
With plans to expand Ana Kids into a full-fledged high school, Dr. Mahapatra remains a torchbearer for women’s empowerment, cultural enrichment, and educational innovation. Her journey is more than inspiring—it’s a roadmap for how resilience, creativity, and leadership can transform not just lives, but entire communities.
