Devasmita Patnaik

🪔 About

Devasmita Patnaik is a distinguished Odissi dancer and cultural ambassador, recognized for her pioneering efforts in promoting the Indian classical dance form in France. Born in Puri, India, she spent her formative years and received her schooling at the Sri Aurobindo Ashram in Pondicherry. Her classical Odissi training began under the tutelage of renowned gurus, including Durga Charan Ranbir, and later, the legendary Kelucharan Mohapatra. In 1986, Devasmita Patnaik moved to Paris, France, following her marriage, becoming the first Odissi dancer to establish herself in the French capital. Inspired by her husband, Satyakam, she dedicated herself to introducing and popularizing Odissi in a country where Bharatanatyam was more familiar, and Odissi largely unknown. For nearly a quarter of a century, she tirelessly conducted lecture-demonstrations, workshops, and performances, gradually building interest and appreciation for the dance form. Devasmita, along with her husband and daughter Shovna, co-founded Atma, a cultural trust based in their Paris home, which functions as a resource center for Odissi and Odia culture. Through Atma, she offers workshops in Paris and other French provinces, often collaborating with talented young gurus from Odisha. A significant milestone in her career was hosting the first Odissi Utsav in France, an event that coincided with the silver jubilee celebration of her dance institution around 2010. Her commitment extends to inviting and presenting Odissi exponents and dancers from Odisha, with notable gurus like Durga Charan Ranbir and Gangadhar Pradhan having visited Paris under her initiative. Her daughter, Shovna, also shares a passionate interest in Odissi. Devasmita Patnaik's extensive international performances include engagements in Auroville, Pondicherry, Bangalore, and a tour in Brazil, showcasing her dedication to globalizing Odissi.