Central Varsity Celebrates ‘Ek Bharat, Shrestha Bharat’

Sunabeda: In a bid to bring together people of diverse cultures living in different states of India for promoting greater mutual understanding , the Central University of Orissa (CUO) organized a special programme and a week-long workshop to celebrate the ‘Ek Bharat, Shrestha Bharat’ at its campus in Sunabeda in Odisha’s Koraput district on Monday.

As per the guidelines of the HRD Ministry, the Maharashtra is the paired state with Odisha. The weeklong workshop on Marathi Theatre began on Monday at the university premises.

 Inaugurating the programme, CUO vice-chancellor Prof Sachidananda Mohanty outlined the unique culture of India.

“Odisha and Maharashtra have historical ties.Theatre is very important, as it helps to reflect the culture, traditions and reality of the society,” he said.

Stating that language is the primary instrument of culture, he said there would be no culture without language. He urged the students to have national and international aspiration and them to actively participate in the workshop and learn various things about the beautiful culture of Maharashtra. He also said the initiative of the HRD Ministry will create a unique opportunity of exchange of culture, ideas and tradition between Odisha and Maharashtra. He underlined the seminal importance of Maharashtra for the growth of the Indian nation.

In her address, Prof Sandhya Rayate of the University of Mumbai, spoke about the vibrant Marathi culture and Mumbai theatre. She said theatre seeks only talent, not religion, cast and place of a person”.

In his keynote address on “Natak Evam Theatre par Marathi Sanskriti Ka Prabhav”, Sandeep Sapkale of Mahatma Gandhi Antarrashtriya Hindi Viswavidyalay, Wardha highlighted the history of Maharashtra and impact of Marathi culture on Natak and theatre. “We cannot find popularity of theatre as we find in Marathi culture’. Every family in Maharastra has the interest to see theatre,” he added. He advised the students to learn more about the tradition, the culture of Maharashtra and its impact on the Natak and theatre.

Assistant Professor Sourav Gupta and convener, Ek Bharat, Shrestha Bharat, delivered the opening address while Sushree Mercy Mousmi Takri compeered the programme and Dr Phagunath Bhoi, PRO, gave the vote of thanks.