Sushmita Pati represents Basingstoke at Royal Garden Party

Sushmita Pati, the founder of Kala The Arts, attended the event on Wednesday, May 15, after an invite from the Arts Council South West and the Department for Digital, Culture, Media and Sport (DCMS).

She said: "Their Royal Highnesses the King and the Queen looked amazing. I felt proud to meet them. The place was buzzing with famous people."

At the event, Sushmita wore a hand-woven cotton grey-black Ikat tie-dye saree, sourced directly from the weavers of Maniabandha, a rural village in Odisha near Cuttack.

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She visited the village in April and was moved by the craftsmanship. It took six days to weave the saree.

With more than three decades of dedication, Sushmita has been a trailblazer in promoting Odissi, one of the oldest classical dance forms from India, throughout the UK.

Her contributions to teaching and spreading Indian dance, music, and culture have significantly impacted communities in Hampshire and beyond.

Sushmita moved to the UK in the 1980s and, after training under eminent Gurus, embarked on a mission to elevate Odissi's recognition.

From her initial performances in art centres to teaching at prestigious institutions like the Bhavan Centre in London and the Commonwealth Institute, Sushmita has worked to make Odissi more contemporary and accessible.

Her educational journey includes a master's degree in Ethnomusicology, which provided her with a broader perspective on music and dance within cultural contexts.

She has conducted workshops in more than 250 schools through collaborations with the Commonwealth Education Department, breaking stereotypes and fostering cultural understanding.

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Sushmita's commitment to cultural exchange extends to her frequent visits to Odisha, where she collaborates with local artists to bring their work to the UK.

Her efforts are seen in large-scale events such as street parades, outdoor artistic events, and exhibitions, with a five-month exhibition planned soon.

In 1998, Sushmita founded the charity Kala The Arts, creating platforms for various artists to develop and showcase their talents while promoting cultural awareness.

Her projects, including collaborations with Anvil Arts and the creation of a youth dance company, have pushed the boundaries of Odissi and introduced it to diverse audiences.