Debi
Basu
‘Moksha’, as a concept, can be expressed as that state of being where
one transcends mortal limitations and unites in divine ecstasy with
the ‘Ultimate’. It is a spiritual journey marked with devotion and
the pursuit of excellence. Debi has been on this personal journey
for 25 years.
Classical art forms of India have perpetuated and been enriched down
the ages through ‘Guru-Shishya Parampara’, that rare inheritance of
the innermost essence conveyed in totality from master to disciple.
For all these years, Debi has been dedicated to this tradition and
surrendered herself into the trust and most coveted blessings of the
great Odissi master, Padma Vibhushan Guru Shri Kelucharan Mahapatra.
For Debi, her deep interest in Sankrit literature, philosophy & mythology
permeate through her dance as spiritual self-actualisations, clearly
exemplified through her forte, the ‘Abhinaya’. …
“Debi’s chiseled movements and expressive eyes conveyed the pathos
of Virahotkanthita Nayika with great artistry.” - The Statesman, Calcutta.
Debi’s extensive performances in the country and abroad include major
festivals such as; Festival of India in Russia, Khajuraho Festival,
Elephanta Festival, Osho Millenium Festival, ‘Nritya Parva’ organised
by Sangeet Natak Academy, One World Theatre in Austin, World Music
Institute in New York and the first ever Odissi Festival held in Washington,
D.C. in 2000. She has also been documented by the Asian Art Museum
in San Francisco to promote Indian heritage and culture. …
“One felt moments of exalted elation as the words of the song and
movements of Debi’s dance, created in the mind, an experience of pure
love in the intensity of emotion.”
- The Times of India, Mumbai.
She has also co-founded ‘Sanyuktam’, an organization dedicated
to the enrichment and promotion of Odissi and related arts. Debi strives
to contribute to the form as a choreographer in numerous ballets both
pure as well as experimental in nature like in Mira Nair’s historical
film ‘KamaSutra’.
…“The choreographer (Debi Basu) sensitively symbolised the interplay
between the two energies Shiva and Shakti, or masculine and feminine
forces …… and maintained an elegant flow of the narrative.”
- The Pioneer, Mumbai.
Felicitations: -
Awarded ‘Sursringar’ title by Kal-Ke-Kalakar in 1983.
- Honoured by Guru Vempati Chinasatyam on behalf of Telugu Sahitya
Samiti, 1990.
- Centre for World Music and Related Arts, San Diego, 2000.
- Canadian Museum of Civilisation , 2000.
- Indian Consulate, Turkey, 2002.
Debi continues to pass on this rich heritage as an inspiring teacher
to her pupils, many of whom have emerged as acclaimed dancers. She
has conducted innumerable Odissi workshops and lecture-demonstrations
in prestigious institutions around the world. Debi resolves to perpetuate
this legacy in its purest form onto future generations and adheres
to the quintessence of the ‘Guru-Shishya Parampara’.
Her quest for ‘Moksha’ continues.
