Debanshi Nikita Chowdhury was on cloud nine as she received two coveted awards, Yuva Kala Vikash Award and Subrina Biswal Award, in the 50th Odisha Society of Americas (OSA) Convention held at Atlantic City in the US for her multi-faceted dance talent, including Odishi, recently.
Chowdhury received the awards in the senior category from noted classical flutist Pandit Hari Prasad Chaurasia.
While the Yuva Kala Bikash Award is given as a mark of recognition of a youth’s outstanding contribution in promotion of Odia culture, literature, arts, music, dance etc., the Subrina Biswal Award is given for performing arts in North America. With this, Debanshi added more feathers to her success cap and made her parents Anjana Chowdhury and Devaki Nandan happy.
In fact, Debanshi has become a great ambassador of Odia heritage and culture in the United States. She has been participating in the OSA programs since 2006.
Debanshi has bagged prizes in Odissi chhanda champu, Odia vocabulary, debate in Odia language etc.. She has performed Odissi, folk and fusion dances at the OSA Conventions and other community events. Debanshi makes Odishi dance practices under the guidance of Guru Amulya Balabantray of the Pallavi School of Odishi Dance.
She has encouraged other Odia children to speak Odia, sing Odia songs and act in Odia dramas to practice Odishi dance.
