In an attempt to promote the culture of Odisha and disseminate it through academic curriculum, Utkal Sangeet Mahavidyalaya was set up in 1964. Over the years, the college has produced a number of actors, singers, musicians, theatre artistes, filmmakers and instrumentalists, who have glorified the name of the state in the country and abroad.

The college’s latest protégé is singer Rituraj Mohanty, who is creating ripples all over the country with his soulful performances at the popular reality show — India’s Raw Star.

The college offers Plus Two and Plus Three courses and is affiliated to the Utkal University of Culture. It has four departments — vocal music, instrumental music, dance and drama. At present, over 450 students are studying in the college.

With just a week left for the golden jubilee celebrations to begin, the college is buzzing with activities. Students and faculty members are pitching in to make the five-day event a success. The state government has sanctioned over Rs 2.5 crore for it. To mark the spirit of festivity, a heritage gate is also being set up in front of the institute. Chief minister Naveen Patnaik will inaugurate the gate and the celebrations on November 26. President Pranab Mukherjee has been invited to visit the institute on November 29 and address the students.

The Telegraph walks you through the grand preparations and listens to the views of the people behind it

(Clockwise from top left) The heritage gate, the college building and renovation going on for the institute’s golden jubilee celebrations in Bhubaneswar. Pictures by Ashwinee Pati

A five-day extravaganza

The students under the guidance of their veteran alumni are preparing for an array of cultural programmes. A one-hour documentary on the university’s achievements and its glory will be screened on the last day of the event. Special arrangements are being made for a light-and-sound system at Utkal Mandap, the venue for the President’s address. A series of lecture and demonstrations by experts such as Odissi dancer Minati Mishra, instrumentalist Banamali Maharana, tabla maestro Ustad Sabir Khan, theatre artiste K.N. Pannikar and others from various fields of performing arts has been scheduled from 11am to 1pm at Rabindra Mandap during the five-day event. Besides the performances, renovation of the college building is also on in full swing.

Major attractions

Along with the President’s visit, the release of the institute’s theme song, composed by eminent musician Laxmikant Pali, will also take place on November 29. Another special attraction is the exhibition of the rich cultural traditions of the state where around 10 kiosks on the campus will display rare musical instruments and various types of Odissi dance costumes and jewellery. Besides, in the evenings, a number of dance, drama and musical performances by the college students will be held at Utkal Mandap.