The stage at SingPost Auditorium came alive on Nov 8 with rhythm, colour, and emotion as Pratidhwani Nrutyutsav 2025 unfolded – an evening dedicated to celebrating the timeless elegance of Odissi dance.
Organised by Guru DebaPrasad Nrutya Dhara (GDPND), the annual festival has become a cornerstone event in Singapore’s Indian classical arts calendar, reflecting the tireless vision of its founder, Guru Sasmita Pal.
Founded in 2013 by Guru Sasmita, Guru DebaPrasad Nrutya Dhara was established with one heartfelt mission: to give Odissi – one of India’s oldest classical dance traditions – a nurturing home in multicultural Singapore.
Over the past decade, the school has trained more than 100 students, from kindergartners to working professionals, representing various Indian states and backgrounds.
“In 2013, I started GDPND with one simple dream – to keep our roots alive and to give Odissi a home away from home here in Singapore,” said Guru Sasmita in her opening remarks at the festival. “Through this annual festival, my goal is to bring recognition and pride to Odissi in this part of the world.”
Under her direction, the school has not only trained students in classical technique but also in the deeper philosophy of Odissi, which celebrates divinity through movement.
With support from Singapore’s National Arts Council, GDPND has in recent years produced acclaimed dance dramas such as Brinda (2023) and Rasa Leela (2024), further establishing Odissi’s place in Singapore’s arts scene.
Pratidhwani Nrutyutsav 2025 featured a rich lineup of performances by students across all levels. From the folk-inspired Palli Nrutya to the classical Angahaar Pallavi, each performance showcased the form’s intricacy and emotional depth.
The Abhinaya segment, based on the Mahari or Devadasi traditions, highlighted Odissi’s storytelling power through expressive gestures and facial movements.
Among the standout items was Panchabhuta, an interpretative piece representing the five elements – earth, water, fire, air, and space – that form the foundation of life.
Incorporating elements of pranayama and yoga, it portrayed the dancers’ journey toward unity with the divine. The audience was visibly moved by the piece’s spiritual intensity and philosophical depth.
Another show-stopping moment came with a duet by Guru Sasmita and Vani Teki, a lyrical Abhinaya based on Jayadev’s Gita Govinda.
Their performance, depicting the eternal bond between Krishna, Radha, and the Gopis, drew resounding applause for its grace and emotional resonance.
The event was graced by Mr Dinesh Vasu Dash, Minister of State for Culture, Community and Youth, and Manpower, as the Guest of Honour. He was accompanied by his wife Dr Rathiga Velaithan. They were welcomed with traditional uttariyas and a dogra art piece from Odisha, symbolising cultural harmony.
Other notable guests included Ms Atima Joshi, Executive Principal of Middleton International School; Mr Harish Pant, President of the Uttarakhand Association of Singapore; and Ms Joyce Kingsly, Board Director at the Singapore Indian Chamber of Commerce & Industry.
Mr Subrat Kumar Nayak, President of the Odia Society of Singapore, commended the academy, saying: “Year after year, GDPND delivers unique, theme-based performances with remarkable quality and an expanding team of dancers – making them one of Singapore’s top Odissi dance academies.”
What sets GDPND apart is its ability to weave Odissi into Singapore’s multicultural fabric. Its dancers have performed across community centres, temples, and public arts events, embodying the spirit of cultural exchange. Guru Sasmita’s mentorship goes beyond training; she instils discipline, confidence, and cultural pride in her students.
Student Priya Dash, 19, from Singapore Polytechnic, expressed her gratitude: “I would like to thank my Guru, Sasmita Pal, who believed in us and gave us the opportunity to display our dedication and what our school stands for.”
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13 Nov 2025 11:13
