Mathematics and dance may seem as different as chalk and cheese but Debaldev Jana manages to traverse both fields with panache and passion. An assistant professor at SRM University, Chennai, he is also a passionate Bharatanatyam dancer. There was much evidence of that when he presented a solo Bharatanatyam recital at the Shilparamam amphitheatre on February 18.
Hailing from Tamluk, a small town in West Bengal, Debaldev began to learn dance when he was 10 years old. “I love dance,” he smiles and adds, “My parents and sister initiated me into dance and are supportive of my interest in it.” His first guru was Debabrata Chakravorty. “Now, I continue my dance lessons under gurus V.R. Venkitt and Preetha Venkitt at Uma Memorial Kalalayam.”
Supportive parents
He completed his higher studies from Jadavpur University, Kolkata and has a post-doctorate degree from Visva-Bharati and Tokyo University of Marine Science and Technology (Japan). “I still learn how to balance every aspect of life from my parents (Kishori Mohan Jana and Amita Jana) and gurus. I never felt I was straddling very different fields. Mathematics and Bharatanatyam are my two loves; when something is done out of love, the process is easy and enjoyable. I also love to learn,” he exclaims. Dance has become an integral part of Debaldev Jana’s life. He plans his schedule to fit in time for dance in the evenings and on holidays.
Debaldev Jana, an assistant professor in mathematics and Bharatanatyam dancer
While logic is mandatory in mathematics and imagination in dance, Debaldev observes that both fields complement each other and actually do have a few things in common. “To me, mathematics and dance are synonymous with each other. Logic is structured by imagination (both positive and negative) and imagination comes out of logical issues. Every aspect of our life is governed by mathematical rules and dance is an aesthetic model of mathematics, physics, logic, philosophy, history and geography,” he points out.
Debaldev has also conducted workshops and lecture demonstrations across the country. He recalls the experience of performing in different cities. “It is refreshing to travel to new places and perform in front of a new audience. I enjoy travelling, collecting memories through pictures and also shopping,” he shares.
Debaldev continues to do research in Bharatanatyam under the supervision of his gurus. “I have completed and performed on four of my own compositions in Bharatanatyam - Chatushra ekam allaripu, Desh tillana, Brindavani tillana and Geetopodesham . I am also trying to translate the structural perspective of Bharatanatyam in a mathematical model,” he reveals.
