By Our Correspondent
BHUBANESWAR: It was the concluding day at the 19th Dhauli Kalinga Mahotsav organised by Department of Odia Language, Literature & Culture, Government of Odisha and Orissa Dance Academy in association with Odisha Sangeet Natak Akademi and Art Vision. Reverberating the gospel of peace and rejuvenating the nuances of Indian classical dances, music and martial dance the valedictory evening was really a splendid one leaving the connoisseurs mesmerized.
This year Ruchi Buddha Samman Award 2023 presented to Shyamamani Devi, renowned Odissi vocalist and composer for his lifetime contribution in the field of Odissi. Similarly Guru Gangadhar Pradhan Smruti Samman Award 2023 presented to Guru Bankim Sethi, renowned music composer and Singer; Guru Niranjan Rout, eminent Odissi Dance Guru; Guru Satchidananda Das, noted Mardala Exponent and Guru Sadasiba Pradhan, eminent Mayurbhanj Chhau Exponent for their lifetime achievement in the field of dance and music.
Orissa Dance Academy in association with other established institutions like Soor Mandir, Nupur, Rudrakshya Foundation, Nrutya Naivedya, Odissi Dance Creation are presenting Odissi Dance JAGANNATHSTAKAM. Keeping at par with the traditions of India, where we begin all celebrations with an auspicious beginning, let us start the evening by seeking blessings of Lord Jagannath through an ancient classical dance originated from the soil of Odisha called Odissi. Considered a dance of love, Odissi touches on the human and divine aspects of life. This beautiful invocation is a salutation to the Holy Trinity. The dance was Choreographed by Guru (Dr.) Aruna Mohanty, Music by Shri Agnimitra Behera, Rhythm by Guru Dhaneswar Swain and Voice by Rupak Kumar Parida & Nazia Sayeed.
The second item of the concluding evening was Kathak dance by the students of Samskritiki Shreyaskar, Kathak Academy led by Debashree Bhattacharya and Sohini Debnath, two senior most disciples of Guru Rani Karnaa. They were presented Sanjog is an on-going research by Debashree and Sohini. It comprises of a series of duets, trios and group compositions based on traditional, innovative and experimental Kathak dance pieces embracing a variety of music genres like Chatushpadi Chakradharan, Prana and Tarana in raag Darbari. The dance was choreographed, designed and performed by Debashree Bhattacharya and Sohini Debnath.
Concluding evening last presentation was Odissi & Mayurbhanj Chhau by Shubhashree Mukherjee and Group. They were presented GAIA-Mother Earth, an Odissi-Chhau production based on a folk tale meant to inspire love and respect towards Mother Earth and to exhort men not to destroy the natural environment. The dance was choreographed by Dr. Ileana Citaristi and music by Shantunu Mohapatra.
The dignitaries who graced the occasion were Sulachana Das, Hon’ble Mayor, Bhubaneswar; Hemant Sharma, Principal Secretary, Industries Department; Sitikantha Dash, Chairman Kalinga Hospital and Chancellor, J K University; Guru Durga Charan Ranbir, Eminent Odissi Dancer; Guru Ratikanta Mohapatra, Director, Srjan; Prabodh Kumar Rath, Secretary, Odisha Sangeet Natak Akademi and Guru (Dr.) Aruna Mohanty, Secretary, Orissa Dance Academy. The programme was anchored by Dr. (En.) Srinibas Ghatuari and Nazia Alam.
