Sacred Arts Trust, or SAT, was founded in 1995 by Susan and Marc Van Aken and Madri Naylor, inspired by the philosophy of their late teacher, James Immel.
The core principle of Sacred Arts Trust is to promote and preserve traditional arts and culture. In the digital era, less emphasis is placed on learning the artistic heritage within our communities; whether this is how to paint in the unique Odishan style, or maintain a Somerset hedgerow without using heavy machinery.
By creating spaces for education where creativity can be expressed to its fullest, we aim to ensure that the joy and sacredness of traditional art forms are handed to the next generation.
James Immel 1948–87
Jagannath Puri
SAT's cultural centre is located in Jagannath Puri, a sacred town in the Eastern Indian state of Odisha. The town is home to the 2000 year old Jagannath temple and the famous Rath Yatra festival.
The SAT centre is located a short trip from the lively beachfront promenade and overlooks miles of golden coastline.
Meet the Team
Susan Van Aken
Founding Trustee
Susan Van Aken, also known as Sita, is the co-founder of the Sacred Arts Trust and it’s sister charity, the Gopal Trust.
She has been a student of sacred temple arts, dance and music since 1979. She has developed and compiled the curriculum for the Devi Sarasvati Sangita and, together with Bijay Panda, opened the school in 2002.
She has also been focal in the rehabilitation of the previously destitute ladies who are now residents of Gopal Trust House.
Bijay Panda
Project Manager
Bijay has been managing and living at the SAT cultural centre, Gopal House, since it was founded in 2000.
He organises classes and attends to the students' and teachers' needs. He is a homeopathic practitioner and cares for the five resident ladies, assisting with their daily requirements.
He is also a priest by tradition at the Jagannath Temple. He speaks fluent Oriya, Hindi, and English.
Guru Maguni Jena
Dance Teacher
Maguni Jena is a renowned Gotipua dance teacher who hails from Chandan Pur.
He has devoted his childhood and entire adult life to teaching this unique and sacred temple art.
He teaches at the Devi Sarasvati Sangita school every weekend, where his specialist knowledge is invaluable. He is the jewel in the crown of the Devi Sarasvati Sangita.
Guru Tophan Maharana
Patachitra Teacher
Tophan Maharana is from a long line of Patachitra artists from Raghurajpur and is the nephew of the world famous Jagannath Mahapatra.
Tophan’s painting and teaching is true to the style that has been maintained for centuries around the Jagannath Temple of Odisha. Temple dance, prayer, sculpture and painting are all expressed and interwoven through the village culture of temple life.
Guru Achyuta Maharana
Singing Teacher
Achyuta Maharana is the singing teacher at the Devi Sarasvati Sangita. He is a highly skilled musician with a sublime voice and is an All India radio artist.
Achyuta has an intricate knowledge of the songs of the Odhisan temple tradition and their cultural significance to the seasonal festivals.
As only a handful of people still have the skills and repertoire to teach these temple arts, we are very proud to have him as a member of our teaching staff.
Guru Damodar Disoi
Pakhawaj (Drum) Teacher
Damodar Disoi is well known for his humble attitude and excellent rapport with his students. He also works at the Sangita Parisha government school in Puri.
He has spent his life developing his unique profession, becoming one of Odisha's outstanding artists and has worked with many others in the Odissi community. He is also an All India radio artist.
Damodar is the longest serving member of the teaching staff at Devi Sarasvati Sangita and has been endeared to many children who have passed through the school.