West Medinipur, India – From Mohanpur’s tranquil surroundings emerged Dr. Ananya Das Mahapatra—a transformative figure driven by education, culture, and women’s empowerment. Raised by Atin and Jayashree Dasmahapatra, she honored her roots in academia and tradition. Today, with unwavering support from her husband, Shyamapada Sahoo, she stands as a visionary leader in education and community upliftment.
A Lifelong Love for Learning
Dr. Mahapatra holds an M.A. in English and is deeply trained in classical and Rabindra arts, such as Rabindra Sangeet, Nritya, and Bharatnatyam. Expanding her skill set, she pursued abacus training, makeup artistry, and teacher certification. As a testament to her academic strength, she co-authored “Women Empowerment and Economic Development” alongside 51 contributors—now available on Amazon.
Triumphant Through Adversity
Her journey hasn’t been without setbacks. A diagnosis of idiopathic intracranial hypertension cost her partial vision. Yet, this challenge only fortified her resolve. She founded Ana Knowledge Arena Private Limited, aiming to support women through education and skill-building—creating avenues for self-sufficiency.
ANABACUS: A Pathway to Independence
In May 2023, Dr. Mahapatra launched ANABACUS under her education firm—a program offering abacus lessons to women. Over time, it’s become a beacon of hope, equipping countless women and girls with skills that unlock professional and financial independence.
Honoring Heritage on a Global Stage
A celebrated dancer, she received the “Best Dancer” title at the International Dance Festival of Bangladesh—an affirmation of her cultural artistry and global impact. Even after suffering a personal tragedy and worsened health, her family’s strength and her own resilience empowered her to continue performing and inspiring.
Ana Kids: Nurturing Tomorrow’s Leaders
On January 22, 2025, Dr. Mahapatra introduced Ana Kids, a preschool emphasizing childhood growth through cultural values and nurturing education. Plans are in motion to scale it into a comprehensive high school, aiming to blend traditional ethos with modern academic excellence.
Celebrating a Legacy of Service
Recognition for her work came swiftly. In April 2025, she received the Bharat Ratna Gourav Award from the National Education Forum. Her accolades include the Ananya Samman, Serar Sera Samman, Bengal Icon, Srestha Bangali, Sampurna Samman, Natya Mohini Award, Bongo Shrestha Samman, and Doshobhuja Samman—each symbolizing her dedication to education, dance, and social transformation.
Continuing the Mission: Empowerment & Education
Dr. Ananya Das Mahapatra is now steering Ana Knowledge Arena and Ana Kids toward a brighter future. With a planned launch of a full-fledged high school on the horizon, her unwavering commitment stands as a powerful legacy—one that uplifts women and inspires young minds across generations
