With a career that began in 1985 at All India Radio and Doordarshan, Odia singer Susmita has spent four decades shaping Indian music through her versatile and meaningful repertoire. Over the years, she has carved a niche by reviving interest in literature-based songs, folk traditions, devotional music, and socially conscious compositions—always with the aim of inspiring younger generations to appreciate quality music. Her pioneering projects include Maya Darpan (based on the poetry of Dr. Mayadhar Mansingh), Hati Saja Kara and Nua Luha Puruna Luha (collaborations with Devdas Chhotray), and Rubai, a musical interpretation of Omar Khayyam’s Rubaiyat. She has explored diverse themes, from Tantrik Buddhism (Deha Videha, Yogini) to folk and tribal traditions (Gotie Saari, Dhitang Dhitang, Kain Phoola Beni), blending cultural preservation with innovation. Susmita’s devotional works (Raag-Bairag, Hrudaya Ballabha) earned national recognition, while her environmental anthem Prithvi Manthan was adopted by UNEP and won international awards. She has also championed Odia pride with songs like Rasagola Song (which supported Odisha’s GI tag claim) and Aau Nakara Bahana, now an anthem of cultural identity. In 2021, her lifelong contribution was honored with the Sangeet Natak Akademi Award, affirming her place as a trailblazer who continues to bridge tradition, literature, and contemporary issues through the power of music.