Days after Odia language got into the classical language league, the State Government has now decided to seek classical status for Odia music, a demand that is repeatedly being made by Odissi music exponents across the country.
The Culture Department will soon prepare a report on the characteristics of Odissi music with the help of experts for the purpose.
Scholars, performers, researchers and observers have always been unanimous in their view that Odissi music has all the elements to claim the classical tag on par with Hindustani and Carnatic music. The Government, however, has remained silent on this.
“Odissi music has all components of other classical styles such as Hindustani and Carnatic. It is an integral part of Odissi dance and Odia literature.
There are also adequate historical and documental evidences that support a classical tag for Odissi music,” said Odissi vocalist and composer Ramhari Das.
While Odissi dance was recognised as classical more than six decades ago, it is a pity that Odissi music, despite being an integral part of the dance tradition, is still struggling for classical status and recognition at the national and international levels, he added.
On February 29, 2008, the State Government declared Odissi music as classical. “The Ministry of Culture and the Ministry of Information and Broadcasting should come forward to verify the classicism of Odissi music,” said.
Considering the fact that Odia language now got the classical language tag, the Culture Secretary Arvind Padhee said, “Our next step is to start working for classical status for Odissi music which has been long pending.”
However, dancers like Sonal Mansingh felt Odissi music stands on its own as a distinct music tradition of India and there was no need to beg a classical status for it.
She, however, admitted that there is an urgent need to show the beauty and the strength of the Odissi music tradition in front of the non-Odia musicians and listeners.
