On Sunday, September 1, 2024, the Association for Learning Performing Arts and Normative Action (A.L.P.A.N.A.), a Delhi-based NGO, hosted Bhoomi Pranam 2024, an Odissi dance recital at the CD Deshmukh Auditorium, India International Centre, New Delhi. The event marked the solo debut (Manch Pravesh) of Miss Devika Seth, a senior disciple of Guru Smt. Alpana Nayak, along with a group performance in the Odissi style. A.L.P.A.N.A., established in 2003 under the Societies Registration Act 1860, promotes performing arts and focuses on inclusive growth and cultural heritage.
Shri Vivek Bharadwaj, IAS, Secretary to the Government of India, Ministry of Panchayati Raj, was the Chief Guest. Distinguished guests included Padma Shri Dr. Jitender Singh Shunty, Padma Shri Vidushi Nalini Asthana, and Shri Vishwambhar Lal Shrivastava.
Devika Seth began learning Odissi at age 10 in 2003, earning her Visharad Pratham degree in 2017 from Akhil Bharatiya Gandharva Mahavidyalay Mandal, Maharashtra. Notable performances include the Rashtrapati Bhawan in New Delhi, Modhera Dance Festival, International Odissi Festival in Bhubaneswar, and international stages in Bhutan and Vietnam.
The recital opened with Mangalacharana, invoking Saraswati with Kalidasa’s prayer. Devika performed a graceful Sthayi Nrutya depicting ancient Orissan temple sculptures, followed by an expressive Abhinaya based on “Chandana Charchita Nila Kalevara” from Jayadeva’s Geeta Govinda. A group presentation of Kirwani Pallavi featured Devika alongside fellow dancers. Her solo of Dashavatar illustrated Lord Vishnu's ten incarnations, followed by the closing piece Moksha, symbolizing spiritual liberation.
The performances were accompanied by Prashant Behera (vocal), Prafulla Mangaraj (mardala), Gopinath Swain (violin), and Nikhil Behera (flute). The guests lauded Devika’s stamina, posture, and abhinaya, wishing her a bright future in Odissi. Padma Shri Vidushi Nalini Asthana praised the event and the Guru-Shishya tradition, blessing Devika’s journey ahead.