Celebrating the culture of Orissa

Debi Prasad Mishra, the Minister for Higher Education and Tourism and Culture of Orissa, was the chief guest for the colourful evening.

He reminisced about the selflessness of the leaders, who struggled for the formation of the independent Orissa State on April 1, 1936. He committed his full support to the association in building the proposed ‘Orissa Bhavan’ in Bangalore.

Dr Ashis Chand and Pranab Mohanty, two prominent Oriyas were felicitated on the occasion. Dr Ashis Chand was recently honoured with ‘Namma Bengaluru Award’ for the contributions in the field of health care and Pranab Mohanty, the DIG of Lokayukta of Karnataka was awarded with ‘President’s Medal’ for his distinguished service. 

Kalingapatra, the annual journal of the association was also released on the occasion. An Odissi recital by the noted danseuse Sarita Mishra was the highlight of the programme. She started with a mangalacharan celebrating the love of Krishna and Radha, and followed it up with a spell-binding recital dedicated to the ultimate mother, Mahakali. Her performance was really enthralling and upheld the cultural richness of Orissa.

Popular singer Subas Dash entertained the gathering with a variety of Oriya songs in his melodious voice. His songs ranged from the unofficial state anthem of Orissa, Bande Utkal Janani to bhajans and modern pop songs. The food stalls serving Oriya delicacies were a big hit among the gathering too. They provided an opportunity to the natives of Orissa, who missed their home food, to taste the traditional cuisines.