The Guru Kelucharan Mohapatra Award for the year 2015 will be conferred on two artists, Guru Giridhari Nayak and Dr Shantanu Mohapatra, for their exceptional contributions to the fields of dance and music, respectively.
The awards will be given at the five-day annual festival to be held at the Rabindra Mandap here beginning from September 5. The award, mounted by Srjan, carries cash reward of `50,000, each, citations and mementos.
Eminent artists from the State and outside like Kolkata and Mumbai would present scintillating performances during the extravaganza. Besides, Srjan artistes would present three special performances, Vitthala Smarane on lord Vishnu, Tarana which would create a blend of classical and contemporary arts and Namami Gange, said Srjan director and Guru Kelucharan Mohapatra’s son Ratikant Mohapatra at a media conference here on Monday.
“Thorough the festival, we aim at recognising the contributions of artists and giving an exposure to the classical fare of highest level and sensitise people, especially youths, to instil enthusiasm among them for the subtle flavours of classicism,” said he. Noted singer Guru laxikant Palit was also present at the Press meet.