ROURKELA, OCT 18
Rourkela Steel Plant (RSP) and Bhanja Cultural Trust jointly hosted ‘Kumar Utsav – 2024,’ a vibrant cultural festival celebrating the popular Odia festival of Kumar Purnima on Thursday at the Civic Centre in Rourkela.
The event was graced by Traun Misra, Executive Director (HR) and Chairman of the Bhanja Cultural Trust, who graced the event as the Chief Guest.
Notable attendees included Alok Verma, Executive Director (Mines) with additional charge of Executive Director (Works); PK Swain, Chief General Manager In-Charge (TA&CSR); Anil Kumar, Chief General Manager In-Charge (MM); Dr. Jayant Acharya, Chief Medical Officer In-Charge (M&HS); Pravati Misra and Namrata Verma, both Vice Presidents of Deepika Mahila Sanghati; along with representatives from various unions, the Officers’ Association, senior officers from RSP, members of several socio-cultural organizations, and culture enthusiasts from Rourkela.
The Chief Guest and other dignitaries commenced the festivities by worshipping the Moon at a beautifully crafted Tulasi Chaura, paying obeisance to Lord Jagannath, and lighting a ceremonial lamp.
In his address, Misra extended warm wishes for the auspicious occasion to all Rourkelites and praised the Bhanja Cultural Trust for its commitment to preserving and promoting Odisha’s rich art, literature, and culture.
During the event, Misra honoured two distinguished individuals: eminent litterateur and academician Jitendra Narayan Dash, popularly known as Dash Benhur, and renowned Odissi Guru Sushree Sangeeta Dash, presenting them with the ‘Kumar Utsav Samman.’ Both recipients expressed their gratitude for the efforts of Bhanja Cultural Trust and RSP in organizing such a significant event to celebrate and safeguard Odisha’s cultural heritage.
The cultural evening kicked off with the traditional folk dance “Kuanra Punei Jahna Go…” performed by artists from Bhanja Kala Kendra, capturing the rituals and sentiments associated with Kumar Purnima.
The program featured captivating vocal performances, including both classic and contemporary Odia songs, by the popular Ollywood singer Swayam Padhi and his troupe.
In his welcome address, PK Swain reaffirmed the Bhanja Cultural Trust’s dedication to upholding the Odia language, literature, culture, and heritage.
Anil Mallick, MOMT, SSM, coordinated the program.
