Only cultural institutions can tap artistic talents by giving wide exposure to the artistes, said Finance Minister Prasanna Acharya.
Attending as the Chief Guest in the 58th annual function of the lalita Kala Pitha at the Jayadev Bhawan here on Friday, Acharya said the organisation is one of the oldest Odissi dance and music training centres in the capital city which is now in a dilapidated state. He appreciated the organisers’ effort to recover it and assured financial help from his department for the development of the Pitha.
Attending as Guest of Honour, MP Baishnaba Charan Parida said only because of the artistes and their Gurus, the Odissi dance has earned reputation worldwide. We should keep alive our art and culture, he advised. Journalist Dillip Bisoi said though Odissi dance originated from Odisha, the State has now less Odissi dancers compared to other regions.
Chief Whip of the Assembly Pravat Kumar Tripathy, MlA Bijaya Kumar Mohanty and scribe Pradosh Patnaik also spoke. Sailendra Kumar Patnaik coordinated the meeting. Prizes were distributed among the participants.