Bhubaneswar: As patriotic fervour gripped across the nation on the 80th Independence Day on Saturday, the Odisha Sangeet Natak Akademi, under the aegis of the Department of Odia Language, Literature and Culture, organised ‘Bharatiyam’, an evening of patriotic songs, at Rabindra Mandap, Bhubaneswar.
The programme witnessed the presence of Odisha Legislative Assembly Speaker Surama Padhy, Ekamra MLA Babu Singh, Secretary of the Department of Odia Language, Literature and Culture Dr Vijay Ketan Upadhyay and Secretary of the Odisha Sangeet Natak Akademi Dr Chandra Sekhar Hota, who inaugurated the evening with lighting the ceremonial lamp.
On this occasion, the Speaker recalled that India broke free from British rule on August 15, 1947, after generations of freedom fighters made the ultimate sacrifice in the struggle against colonial rule.She also called upon the younger generation to pledge themselves to the vision of a developed India and a prosperous Odisha.
Ekamar MLA Babu Singh said independence represented a confluence of peace, cooperation and progress. He urged people to uphold fraternity and communal harmony and work together for inclusive development, beginning at the grassroots level. He also called for active public participation in building a strong and prosperous nation.
The dignitaries extended their best wishes to all the participating vocalists and musicians.
The musical evening featured performances by several renowned singers. Subash Das enthralled the audience with ‘Ghare Ghare Tiranga Udila Re’ and ‘Chhota Mora Gaanti’. Antara Chakraborty performed ‘Vaishnava Jana To’ and ‘Desh Rangila’, while Pankaj Jaal presented ‘Janmabhumi Matribhumi’ and ‘Kar Chale’.
Indian Idol Season 16 winner Jyotirmayee Nayak performed ‘Ae Mere Watan’ and ‘Dil Diya Hai Jaan Bhi Denge’, leaving the audience spellbound.
Shashank Shekhar presented ‘Sandeshe Aate Hain’ and ‘Maa Tujhe Salaam’, while Arpita Choudhury performed ‘Ganga Ye Desh Mein Bahe’ and ‘Vande Mataram’. Tariq Aziz performed ‘Teri Mitti’ and ‘O Desh Mere’. Sarbeswar Bhoi also won appreciation with ‘Sabuthanu Mate Badhiya Lage Mate Tor Na’, among other patriotic numbers.
The festival also featured rangoli art and a photo and painting exhibition showcasing the lives and contributions of freedom fighters and eminent sons of Odisha.
A ‘Ghare Ghare Tiranga’ selfie booth proved to be a major attraction, drawing a large crowd.
