A dental surgeon, Meernanda has been pursuing her passion for classical dance, guided by her mother and gurus. Driven by devotion, she inspires others with her Sattriya performances and teaches students to follow their artistic path.

Dr. Meernanda Barthakur, a dental surgeon from Guwahati, Assam has been passionately pursuing her career as a classical dancer since 1999. She had been learning dance since her childhood.

Meernanda shares that during her childhood, she had a wonderful upbringing with her father, a dental surgeon, and her mother, a nuclear physicist. Both parents had a deep appreciation for culture. Her father's clinic hosted regular gatherings where musicians and dancers performed, creating lasting memories of music. While she also had talent in singing, her inclination was more towards dance.

Meernanda’s journey into the world of dance began at a very young age, where her inherent love for dancing was nurtured by her inspirational mother. Observing her natural inclination towards dance, her mother encouraged her to pursue this passion alongside her studies. Meernanda considers herself fortunate to have had the guidance of exceptional teachers  and the support of her mother, who not only enrolled her in a reputable dance institute but also provided constant support in all aspects of her life.

Meernanda’s journey as a dancer presented challenges, especially as her parents were not always available. However, she expresses gratitude for her supportive gurus who became like second parents to her. The path was challenging due to societal expectations as a woman, wife, and daughter-in-law. However, with her passion and the emotional support of her family, she overcame these challenges. The supportive environment within her family played a crucial role in her growth.

Despite the difficulties, Meernanda considers her accomplishments to be the ability to meditate and evoke emotions in her audience through her performances.

Reflecting on her mistakes, Meernanda acknowledges a misunderstanding with her guru that should not have occurred. She believes that making mistakes is acceptable, but not learning from them is a greater mistake.

Meernanda says that her role models include her mother, her first guru, the late Padma Shri awarded Pushpa Bhuyan, and Jatin Goswami, holder of the title Nrityacharya who remains incredibly active even in his 90s.

Meernanda's life mantra revolves around devotion, emphasising the importance of dedicating oneself to everything you do.

For those aspiring to enter this field, Meernanda advises them to select a good guru, studying the life journeys of successful dancers, and planning properly before starting on the artistic journey. She also emphasises the significance of devotion in their pursuit.