Bhubaneswar: More than 90 folk and tribal artists from Ganjam and Gajapati districts, including artists above the age of 90, visited Rashtrapati Bhavan in New Delhi and met President Droupadi Murmu on Tuesday.
Led by Ganjam District Collector V. Keerthi Vasan, the delegation comprised artists from five prominent cultural troupes representing the district’s rich art, culture and heritage. The artists were accorded a grand welcome upon their arrival at Rashtrapati Bhavan.
The visit followed President Murmu’s recent visit to Ganjam district. During the visit, tribal and folk dance troupes from Ganjam performed at a cultural programme organised by the district administration at Taptapani.
Impressed by their traditional dance and music performances, the president had invited the artists to visit Rashtrapati Bhavan.
More than 90 artists travelled to Delhi following the invitation. They represented Maa Dandakali Group of Subarnagarh in Sanakhemundi block, Sanrachana Group of Brahmapur, Tulasi Group of Sorada block, Gouranga Basudev Naam Sankirtan Mandali of Katapalli in Sanakhemundi block, and Saura Traditional Cultural Drama Society of Khemundikhol.
During the interaction, President Murmu enquired about the well-being of the artists. She said preserving, practising and promoting the invaluable art and cultural traditions inherited from ancestors was a collective responsibility.
She advised young artists to study diligently and strive for excellence in their respective fields. She also encouraged them to become self-reliant, stand on their own feet and bring pride and honour to their parents and loved ones.
The president also praised the rich cultural tradition of Ganjam’s Saura tribal community.
The artists described the visit as an unforgettable experience and expressed gratitude to the district administration for the opportunity to visit Rashtrapati Bhavan and interact with the President for more than half an hour.
The delegation also visited various historical and scenic sites in New Delhi.
Jagannath Nayak of Saura Traditional Cultural Drama Society described the experience as a memorable chapter in his life.
Additional Sub-Collector, Chhatrapur, Parthasarathi Hansdah, District Culture Officer Aditi Acharya, Manoj Kumar Pradhan, and other officials of the district administration also accompanied the delegation to Delhi.
