Noted cine artist Mahasweta Roy was felicitated with Bhajan Samrat Bhikari Bala Samman during the concluding ceremony of 31st Nataraj Kumarotsav held here on Sunday.
Besides, Jaya Krushna Behera of Kamakhyanagar was felicitated with Nataraj Seva Samman and Mousimi Monalisa and Subhrajyoti Rout of Dhenkanal were awarded with Guru Gangadhar Pradhan Smaraki Puraskar for securing 2nd position in State on classical vocal and Odissi dance during Chief Minister Trophy competition. Simran Das also received a special award for her good performance in Amari Geeta Amari Swara in Taranga channel.
Attending the concluding ceremony of Nataraj Kumarostav as chief guest, Minister of Mines, Steel and labour Prafulla Kumar Mallick advised to open branches of the Nataraj Sangeet Mahavidyalaya at Hindol and Kamakhyanagar to hone local skill and create more national level talents in Odissi.
Speaking on the occasion Pallahara MlA Mahesh Sahu and BJP district president Bibhuti Bhushan Pradhan said all cultural institutions like Nataraj Sangeet Mahavidyalaya should get all kinds of support from various sectors. Newly elected Dhenkanal Municipality Chairman Sudhansu Dalei also spoke.
Roy, while receiving the award, got nostalgic about her childhood experiences in Dhenkanal.
The event was organized by Nataraj Sangeet Vidyalaya, District Council of Culture, Chamber of Commerce, Rotary Club, Inner Wheel Club, Jagat Udhar Mancha, Charlie Chaplin Cultural Club, Kalaparishad and Xavier School. Earlier, Roy visited Royal Palace Kaibalya Bazar Pujamandap, Ganesh Bazar Puja Mandap and the Government quarters where she was residing when her father Rajkishore Roy was Circle Inspector of schools.
The meeting was presided over by Krushna Kumar Mishra. Secretary Ashok Dash read annual report. Nirada Nanda delivered welcome speech. Madhusudan Rout offered vote of thanks. Satya Narayan Kar and Satrughna Mati coordinated. The students of Nataraj performed a spellbound cultural programme.