Berhampur, Sep 1: More than 90 folk artists representing the rich art, culture and heritage of Ganjam district today visited Rashtrapati Bhavan in New Delhi and interacted with President Droupadi Murmu.
Led by Ganjam district Collector V. Keerthi Vasan, artists from five prominent cultural troupes of the district travelled to Delhi. Upon their arrival at Rashtrapati Bhavan, the artists were accorded a warm and grand welcome.
During the President’s recent visit to Ganjam district, tribal and folk dance troupes from Ganjam presented captivating traditional dance and music performances at Taptapani as part of a cultural programme organised by the district administration. Impressed by these traditional performances, the President had invited the artists to visit Rashtrapati Bhavan.
In response to the President’s invitation, more than 90 artists from five prominent cultural troupes travelled to Delhi. The groups included Maa Dandakali Group of Subarnagad in Sanakhemundi Block, Sanrachana Group of Berhampur, Tulasi Group of Sorada Block, Gouranga Basudev Nama Sankirtan Mandali of Katapalli in Sanakhemundi Block, and Saura Traditional Cultural Natya Sangha of Khemundikhole.
During the interaction with the artists, the President enquired about their well-being and experiences.
She stated that it is the collective responsibility of all to continuously preserve, practise and promote the invaluable art and cultural traditions inherited from their ancestors.
She advised the young artists to pursue their studies sincerely and strive for excellence in whichever field they choose to work.
She also advised them to become self-reliant, stand on their own feet and bring greater recognition and honour to their parents and family members.
The President also appreciated the rich cultural traditions of the Saura tribal community of Ganjam.
For the artists, the occasion was an unforgettable and memorable experience. The opportunity to visit Rashtrapati Bhavan, interact with the President for more than half an hour and visit various historical and tourist attractions in New Delhi filled them with immense joy and pride.
The artists expressed their gratitude to the district administration for providing them with this unique opportunity. Jagannath Nayak of Saura Traditional Cultural Natya Sangha described the experience as a memorable chapter of his life.
The delegation was accompanied by Additional Sub-Collector, Chhatrapur, Partha Sarathi Hansda; District Culture Officer Aditi Acharya; Manoj Kumar Pradhan; and other officials of the district administration.
