Kalahandi: A block-level organizational meeting of the Artists’ Association was held at the Jeypatna Kalyan Mandap in Kalahandi district, under the chairmanship of Block President Kshirodchandra Majhi.
Pradeep Dhangda Majhi, District President and recipient of the “Natya Bhushan” award, attended as the chief guest, while Teertharaj Dalapati, renowned Ghumura Guru and District Secretary, was the keynote speaker. Other dignitaries included District Vice-President Maheswar Saraf, Prashanu Pattajoshi, Zone President Upendra Tendakari, Secretary Laxman Nayak, Treasurer Bijay Pradhani, Koksara Block President Dambaru Kharchel, senior artist Shrinivas Behera, and Love Dalapati.
Gautam Khamari gave the welcome address, and Rabi Narayan Behera conducted the stage proceedings.
During the meeting, the new committee was nominated as follows:
President: Satyanand Pujari
Vice Presidents: Gautam Khamari, Parameswar Nag
Secretary: Yugal Majhi
Joint Secretaries: Sudhanshu Kumar Thakur, Lal Bahadur Bag
Treasurer: Rabi Narayan Behera
The gathering emphasized organizational strengthening, as well as individual and collective development of retired (pension-receiving) artists, with a strong focus on continued efforts to preserve and promote local art and culture.