National seminar on ‘Odia Folk Art and Folk Culture’ by Shailabala Women’s Autonomous College, Cuttack
By Pramod Sahukar
Cuttack, Jan. 23: Shailabala Women’s Autonomous College, Cuttack organised a National Seminar on “Odia Folk Art and Folk Culture” on January 21 and 22 to nurture and promote the linguistic treasure in Odia Language, as per the momentous decision of the 3rd Heritage Cabinet Meeting on December 19, 2023, of the Department of Odia Language, Literature and Culture, Government of Odisha.
The unique initiative was heralded by Nua ‘O’ Yuva Odisha, Naveen Odisha Flagship Programme of the Government of Odisha.The seminar was conducted under the able chairmanship of Prof. (Dr.) Gayatri Biswal, Principal,ShailabalaWomen’s Autonomous College Cuttack. It was inaugurated by Shri Dilip Routray. I.A.S.,Director of Odia language Literature and Culture Government of Odisha.The solemn occasion was graced by Professor Kamalakanta Mishra, Former Vice Chancellor and Dean,Central University, Hyderabad as the Chief Guest. Dr. Paramananda Patel, State Coordinator, SAMHATI- Multi Lingual Education, Scheduled Tribes Research Organisation, Government of Odisha,enlightened the august gathering about TribalCulture of Soura, and other tribes, as the Chief Speaker. Dr. Bharat Bhusan Rath, Deputy Director, Distance Education Directorate, Central University, Tirupati,captivated the audience with his glaring examples and details on studies of Folk Culture and Art, as the Guest of Honour. Dr.Biswal delivered an engaging introductory speech, followed by the introduction of the esteemed Guests by Dr. Chittaranjan Panda, Convenor of the Seminar. Dr. Bikash Kumar Das,Nodal Officer of the NUA ‘O’ initiative,eloquentlyencapsulated the objectives of the seminar.Dr. Anirudha Kumar Khillar offered a warm vote of thanks at the end of the inaugural meeting.
In the first vibrant technical session Scholars, Experts and Researchers of Odia Language, Folk Culture and Literature ardently participated and made valuable contribution through paper presentations.The seminar scored in excellence in its afternoon session through mesmerizing performances of Folk Performing Art forms Pala, Daskathia, Khanjani, Danda Dance, etc.
The second day of the path breaking National Seminar was illuminated by the brilliance of esteemed experts like Prof. Prakash Chandra Pattnaik and Dr. Abhas Kumar Baral, as the resource persons.The seminar touched it’s pinnacle of glory in the afternoon session with an exclusive exhibition of marvellous miniatures of traditional folk items and indigenous rural tools of antiquity like sagada, dhenki,etc. Its enticement was magnified by itsoutstanding exhibitor Dr. Ajay Kumar Mishra. The Valedictory session chaired by Prof. Dr. Gayatri Biswal, was blessed with the precious presence and worthy inputs by Prof. Baishnab Charan Samal as the Chief Guest, and Sj. Surjya Deo and Sj. Bijay Malla as resource persons. Dr. Sanjita Mishra, Assistant Professor of Odia in the College, extended a hearty Vote of Thanks to conclude the two days National Seminar on “Odia Folk Art and Folk Culture”.
The national seminar set a benchmark with both its enamouring sessions, and the active and enthusiastic participation of students, staff members of the college, deft organisers of Shailabala Women’s Autonomous College, Cuttack, local elites, erudite resource persons and participants.It thus emerged as a grand success in achieving the aims and ideals of the government.
