Dr. ADYASHA DAS
Professor, Indian Institute of Tourism and Travel Management, Ministry of Tourism
Co-convener, INTACH
Advisory Board Member: World Tourism Association for Culture and Heritage
Dr. Adyasha Das stands as a distinguished figure in the realms of academia, culture, and heritage, seamlessly intertwining her expertise with a profound commitment to the empowerment of the youth and underprivileged. Her multifaceted contributions have not only enriched the academic landscape but have also left an indelible mark on the social fabric of society. Dr. Das’s academic journey is marked by a relentless pursuit of knowledge and a commitment to excellence. With several years of experience in academics, her major publications are in the areas of heritage and cultural tourism, human resource management and tourism, psychology of tourist behaviour, Cross-Cultural Studies etc. apart from her creative writings which have contributed significantly to the broader understanding of cultural diversity.
As a passionate advocate for cultural preservation and heritage conservation, Dr. Das has played a pivotal role in raising awareness about the importance of safeguarding our rich cultural tapestry. Her efforts have involved reaching communities and organizations at the grassroots level. Through workshops, seminars, and public lectures, she has ignited a collective consciousness about the significance of preserving our cultural heritage for future generations. Her unwavering dedication to social empowerment, particularly for women and the underprivileged has brought to light the often overlooked contributions of women in shaping cultural narratives. Additionally, she has actively engaged with marginalized communities, working towards creating avenues for economic empowerment and educational upliftment. She has been instrumental in establishing educational programs, vocational training programmes and awareness campaigns aimed at dismantling societal barriers. Her work reflects a keen understanding of the intersectionality between culture, heritage, and social equity.
Dr. Das is also an unmistakable voice among the acclaimed singers of Odisha. Her versatility is expressed in her felicity of musical expression in various genres and languages. A playback singer, noted for her melodious rendition, her repertoire includes Sugam Sangeet, Geet, Ghazal, semi-classical, Bhajan and folk songs apart from Champu, Chaanda and Geeta Govinda. Her skills include interpreting/modifying music, applying knowledge of harmony, melody, rhythm, and voice production to individualized presentations.
Das is the Amazon India bestselling author of “The Chausathi Yoginis of Hirapur: from Tantra to Tourism”, “The Yogini’s of Ranipur Jharial: Tantric Goddesses of Yore” and “The Yogini Poems: Love and Life”. A contemporary writer from Odisha, she is known for her insightful and colourful portrayals of life.
AWARDS:
Swayamsiddha Samman 2024 – Celebrating Women Leadership: Sambad Digital & Rays Foundation
Bhumiputra Biju Patnaik International Women Empowerment Award, AKS, New Delhi
Chausathi Yogini Samman: Chausathi Yogini Festival
Goethe Institute/Network of German Literature House – Cultural Exchange Program/ Writer-in-Residence Project AKSHAR, Cultural interface with Germany
Literaturhaus Frankfurt, Germany- Readings of research on cross-cultural sensitivity
The House of World Cultures, Literaturhaus, Berlin- Readings on Cross-cultural awareness: showcasing India
Leipzig Literaturhaus, Germany – Readings on Literature, tourism and cultural transmission
Parichay Foundation: Woman Achiever, Field of Education
Sahitya Akademi, Ministry of Culture: Research on Empowerment and Creativity, the freedom struggle and early women writing.

