‘Odia Mati Ra Jodha’- An Aroma Of Odia Soil
By Sonali Sahu
Grandeur, glory, splendor, dedication, hard work, accomplishment, endurance and grandiosity of Odisha and Odias have successfully and proudly been projected by one of the true Odia young personality of Ganjam district Mr. Sanyasi Maharana, a social activist and philanthropist through his insightful and highly inspiring mission “Odia Mati Ra Jodha.”
Since the time immemorial, Odias have always been raised from ashes, fought with all odds, wars and controversies, tackled innumerable hindrances, storms, cyclones and floods. Still they are at the zenith of art, literature, culture, politics, national and international affairs.
The main intention and vision of “Odia Mati Ra Jodha” is to showcase the strength and heroic deeds of Odias in all aspects. A spectacular video has been prepared by Mr Sanyasi Maharana after putting two years backbreaking effort where he has brought out the stunning works done by Odias from 1757 to the struggle continuing till date.
The devastative picture of the 1999 super cyclone, again a hit of cyclone Phailin in 2013, the floods of 1980, 1982, 2001 and 2003 are those bitter experiences that can never be washed away from the memory lane. But we raised again, stood firmly, walked, ran and proved that we are the competent children of mother Odisha.
Our immeasurable folk dances, art forms, classical dances, and taste of melodious music always take the spectators to the paradise of pride and glory. These all things have been performed on one stage in “LokakalaMohastava” organized in Berhampur, Ganjam District in 2022 where folk dances of all districts were brought out in one frame with the immense effort and limitless sleepless nights of Mr Sanyasi.
Being a proud son of mother Odisha, he always promoted Odia literature and culture on various platforms nationally and internationally. Not only that “Odia Mati Ra Jodha” has also shown to the world that we tackled the pandemic corona with patience. Of course we saw the dead bodies of our near and dear ones all around us but we did not accept the defeat. How we fought fearlessly and spread awareness programmes throughout the state, helped poor and unprivileged people, betting corona moved from place to place to empower people have efficiently proved by “Isha Foundation” of Mr Sanyasi. He also made the dimension of Ganjam “Puppet Dance” so vast by exhibiting it in many of the places of India. His annual magazine “ASMITA” is the best instance of his unconditional love for Odia language.
He never has been badly affected by the features of modernity. His dedication, determination and selfless efforts towards promoting Odia culture are truly commendable and praiseworthy. His works will surely leave a legacy behind many youngsters to inspire in the upcoming years.
