‘We Must Not Forget our Cultural Roots’

Bhubaneswar, July 17: Our cultural essence should percolate down to the Generation Next and the new age kids must learn the nuances of Odia culture, traditions, dance forms, dialects and all for which we are now calling ourselves proud Odias across the globe.

Speaking at the second annual function of Kokila Dance and Music Academy at Rabindra Mandap, yesterday, dignitaries lauded organisation’s efforts to promote Odia culture and traditions. Science & Technology, Social Security and Empowerment of Persons with Disability Minister Ashok Chandra Panda, Convener Odisha Mo Parivar Arup Patnaik, Mayor Sulochana Das, Corporators Charulata Samantray and Ashwini Sundaray, danseuse Dr Snehaprava Samantray, actor Swaraj Mohanty, Dance Researcher Dr Srnibas Ghatuary and eminent citizen Chakrapani Samantaray joined as the guests of the evening and encouraged the performing budding artists of the institution.

Students of the institute staged performances involving various Indian classical dances, musical instruments, group shows, solo performances and also popular modern dance numbers. President Hrudayaballav Samantray introduced the guests and founder-secretary Snehalata Samantray gave vote of thanks.