Brahmapur A two-day annual celebration of the Kala O Kalakara Hitaishi Mahamancha (Art and Artist Welfare Forum) and Ganjam District Senior Artists’ Association was successfully held.
A state-level Dasakathia artists’ conference and discussion session took place at the Andhra Bhasha Vibhagdini Samajam Hall near Giri Market Square (Prakasham Hall). The discussion was held on the theme “Preventing the Decline of Folk Art Dasakathia Dance”, inaugurated by veteran Jatra artist Rajendra Mohan Pati, who praised the forum for its dedication to both the art form and the artists.
The event, presided over by playwright Umashankar Das, featured eminent cultural researcher Dr. Bayamanu Chali and senior literary figure Dr. Vijay Chandra Maharana as chief guests. Key speakers included Balakrishna Mishra (President, Utkal Dasakathia Kalakar Sangha), Pandit Surendra Nath Das Sharma (Vice President), singer Ramachandra Sahu, and Durga Prasad Acharya (Executive President, Senior Artists’ Association), among others. They all engaged in in-depth discussions on the central theme.
Other notable contributors included: Rina Panda Behara, Panchanan Das, Sarathi Panda, Ganapati Sethy, Ganesh Das (Ratha and Palia artist), Rabi Gouda, Bhagaban Sahu, Ullas Panda, S. Markand Patra, and Jagannath Pramukh.
The program was smoothly coordinated by Shankarshan Sabat, Pradeep Kumar Sahu, Mrutyunjaya Tripathi, Baladeb Sahu, Chittaranjan Dalei, Abhimanyu Raul, Sudam Pattnayak, and P. Siba Prasad Rao. The vote of thanks was delivered by Ban Mahapatra.
Subash Chandra Sahu, the association’s secretary, welcomed the gathering and introduced the guests. On this occasion, the forum also felicitated Pandit Surendra Nath Das Sharma and Yogindra for their contributions to music.