A Visual Storyteller And Artist, Debabrata Pal, Spellbinds With “Natyasastra Chitra Sutram”

It is surreal to learn about all those people and professionals across industries and niches who give it their all in all they ever choose to lay their hands on. In the process, they learn, unlearn, and relearn various things and implement them to get better at what they do. The art world is filled with many such learners and believers who strongly believe in their art and know how they have the power to impact people and societies most profoundly through the same. 

We couldn’t help but notice how young artist Debabrata Pal did precisely that, spellbinding people with his innate artistic visions and skills that have the power to positively impact mindsets and add more artistic value to people’s lives. In the world of art, India is a place where tradition meets culture and innovation, and artists like Debabrata Pal stand tall as inspirational examples of the same. 

His honesty in his art stunning people in “Natyasastra Chitra Sutram” has helped him reach the forefront of the art realm. This has made him a revered personality in the industry, where he was recently honored with Rashtriya Kala Sanman by Dr Kiran Bedi Ji. On 14th October 2023, he was even invited by St. John College, Oxford University, to give a lecture and demonstrate on Natyasastra Chitra Sutram. 

Speaking more on the art form, Debabrata Pal says that Chitra Sutram is an ancient artwork in India that, over the years, has exuded the country’s rich cultural and art heritage, rooted in the Maurya, Bimbisara, and Chola Dynasties, where dancers would dance through storytelling and simultaneously paint the canvas while dancing. It is done by foot or hand and all colors from Raaga or music, creating a harmonious visual spectacle. 

Mastering the art were notable historical figures like Amrapali, Vidhushika, Vaivarta, Chandrakanta, and many others. Debabrata Pal’s journey with Natyasastra Chitra Sutram has been marked by 4-5 years of intensive research, which has now resulted in the ancient practice’s evolution, which he calls “Visual Storytelling.” 

Much of the artistry in his art also comes from his knowledge of reading 25 Upanishads and various Indian scriptures. Besides delivering a lecture at Oxford University, he even spoke at England Art Councils. Smt. Sushmita Pati had arranged a show in Reading Street near Oxford University where his performance could attract the attention of 2000 people in just half an hour, including even foreigners. For this, he was honored by the University of Hindu departments and by Croydon Mayor Jayson Perry. 

His passion for art also got him invited by the WICCI Nehru Center, London, and he got the opportunity to perform for the High Commissioner of India in the UK, Mr. Vikram K Doraiswami. His presence was also honored by G100 National President Dr. Beena Krishnan. He also visited the Royal College of Arts regarding color material finishes. 

Recently, he even made it on international media, BBC News, and stunned audiences with his presence. Over the years, this incredible artist and his art have been hugely supported and appreciated by the Gujarati, Odia, Bangladeshis, and Bengali societies.