Inaugurating the 31st Nataraj Kumarotsav here on Saturday, former Union Minister Kamakhya Prasad Singh Deo appreciated the continuous effort of the Nataraj Sangeet Mahavidyalaya in creating Odishi dancers of national repute and organising the traditional Kumarotsav for last 30 years.
Among others, District Planning Board President and Parjang MlA Nrusingha Charan Sahu, Sadar MlA Saroj Samal, State Cooperative Bank President Akshaya Kumar Mohanty, former Minister Nabin Chandra Narayan Das and SP Basant Kumar Panigrahi graced the occasion as guests. The meeting was presided over by scribe Pradyumna Prasad Rath. Sangeet Mahavidyalaya secretary Ashok Dash read the annual report.
The 31st Nataraj Kumarotsav was organised by Nataraj Sangeet Mahavidyalaya in collaboration with the District Council of Culture and Dhenkanal Journalist Association. Odishi Guru Samir Charan Prusty was felicitated with Nataraj Nrutya Samman, while approved vocalist of All India Radio Satanarayan Parida was felicitated with Nataraj Sangeet Samman.
Odia serial artist Sarat Majhi was felicitated with Nataraj Natya Samman. Besides, Suvendu Sahu of Bhuban was also felicitated with Nataraj Seva Samman. Successful competitors in drawing, fancy dress, Odishi dance and light vocal were also awarded.
Students of Nataraj Sangeet Mahavidyalaya performed a colourful cultural programme. Sadar MlA Samal assured to sanction Rs 5 lakh from his MlA lAD while MlA Sahu assured to give Rs 2 lakh from Planning Board for extension work of the Nataraj building.