CM Launches ‘Transformed Odisha through Folk Arts’ Campaign

Bhubaneswar: Chief Minister Naveen Patnaik on Thursday launched the ‘Transformed Odisha through Folk Arts’ campaign through video conferencing.

As part of the campaign, the IEC (Information, Education and Communication) programmes through folk artists will be carried out to sensitize the people about the various developmental schemes and programmes of the State Government.

In this campaign, more than two lakh programmes will be conducted in 51,168 villages across the State for a month. For this, 22,000 artist groups have been registered for the campaign.

Speaking on the occasion, the Chief Minister praised the folk artists for spreading the messages of various welfare schemes of the government to the people.

The CM said that his government is committed for the development of art and artists.

The Chief Minister also said that for the development of our art and artists, the state government has formed an artist association in 2010. Informing that this initiative was first started in Ganjam district, he said that now it has been implemented in all districts and all blocks.

Expressing happiness that lakhs of artistes are involved in the IEC programmes, he said that all artists’ associations like Mission Shakti will be further strengthened.

Attending the programme, Odisha Language, Literature and Culture Minister Aswini Kumar Patra said that Odisha is the cradle of traditional art. The state government has taken many initiatives for the welfare of artists. This programme which started from Ganjam district has turned into a movement today. Artistes are also financially benefited by this, he added.

Coordinating the programme, 5T and Nabin Odisha Chairman Kartik Pandian said that the Chief Minister has always emphasized on two things – respect for artists and strengthening of artists’ associations like Mission Shakti. He urged the District Collector, BDO and the entire district administration to give attention to this.

Delivering the welcome address, Commissioner-Cum-Secretary of Odia Language, Literature and Culture Department Sujata Rout Karthikeyan said that this is a landmark initiative of the Chief Minister. This programme was started to bring all the people-oriented schemes of the state government to the public from 2009-10. This is a mega campaign. As many as 15 schemes of 10 departments will be campaigned, she added.

Saroj Kumar Samal, Director of Information and Public Relations gave the vote of thanks.

The artists will spread awareness regarding the government schemes and programmes through various traditional folk dance forms and songs, such as Danda Nacha, Rasa, Sani Pala, Daskathia, Sankirtan, Ghoda Nacha, Mogal Tamasha, Prahllad Natak, Suang, Ramlila, Khanjani Bhajan, Kendara song, Bhratlila, Sambalpuri dance, Ghumura dance during the campaign.