BHUBANESWAR: President Pranab Mukherjee on Saturday called upon students of Utkal Sangeet Mahavidyalaya to excel in the field of performing arts.
Addressing the golden jubilee celebrations of the college, the President said Utkal Sangeet Mahavidyalaya has been playing a crucial role in providing patronage to classical music and dance beyond the traditional historical domain.
The institute was established in 1964 by then Chief Minister Biju Patnaik.
The President spoke in detail about the break down of royal patronage provided to performing arts over a period of time. "Traditionally, classical art forms flourished under the kings, who themselves were great exponents of music.
But this stopped during the colonial period," he said.
With the end of 20th century witnessing a sea change and numerous re-inventions in classical music and dance, State funding for performing arts, post-Independence, through establishment of three National Akademis, provided further impetus.
Drawing a parallel between Utkal Sangeet Mahavidyalaya and Bhatkhande Music Institute University in Lucknow, Mukherjee said the former is instrumental in promoting Indian art, music, dance and drama through proper use of State funds.
Batting for classical status for Odia music, Chief Minister Naveen Patnaik, said Odisha Government is committed to promote Odissi dance and Odia music both within and outside the State. "A large number of tourists are coming to the
State being attracted by its cultural landscape. We want to cash in on this trend and make Odisha a preferred tourist destination," Naveen said, adding that Government is taking initiatives through block and district level cultural groups in patronising traditional folk art forms like Daskathia and Pala.
Governor SC Jamir unveiled a golden jubilee souvenir at the event that was presented to Mukherjee. Noted artistes like Kumkum Mohanty, Ileana Citaristi, Bijay Mohanty, Umesh Chandra Kar, Sanjukta Panigrahi, Pankaj Charan Das and Minati Mishra, were felicitated by Jamir on the occassion.