Odisha’s Berhampur Soaked In Patriotism During Silver Jubilee Of ‘Bande Mataram’

Berhampur: The silk city of Berhampur in Odisha’s Ganjam district got drenched in patriotic fervour when more than 200 students of 15 colleges and many cultural organisations presented patriotic songs and dance.

The event was organised during the silver jubilee celebration of ‘Bande Mataram’ of the cultural magazine ‘Abhinaya Jagat’ at the Town Hall here on Thursday.

‘Bande Mataram’ was launched in 1999 with an aim to honour the freedom fighters and the war martyrs of the district and instil patriotism, nationalism among the general public especially the school and college students, said Editor ‘Abhinaya Jagat’ and Secretary of Celebration Committee Mihir Tripathy.

Though ‘Bande Mataram’ was launched in 1999, it failed to organise for two consecutive years during 2000 and 2001 due to financial constraints. Again, Covid cast its shadow over the celebration during 2019 and 2020, he said.

During the inaugural function, widow of Kargil hero Srinivas Patra was felicitated in 1999 and almost all the freedom fighters of Ganjam district have been honoured during these 25 years. “We have also felicitated many renowned personalities having tremendous contributions in the field of art, culture and nation building,” said Mihir.

Patriotism and panache are a spontaneous flow of mind and spirit and we are not tired of organising such functions despite financial constraints. The funds are being mobilised through donations from friend circles and advertising through sponsorship, said renowned stage anchor and advisor Celebration Committee Hrushikesh Panigrahi.

Mihir it would be a great help if the district administration provides at least an auditorium and stage free of cost for the endeavour.

A plethora of events including dance recitals and songs highlighting the importance of the unfolding sacrifices of our brave freedom fighters and soldiers enthused patriotic fervour in the audience.

Chief guest and Berhampur MP Chandra Sekhar Sahu, who inaugurated the silver jubilee celebrations of ‘Bande Mataram’, urged youngsters to recommit themselves to our nation. The speakers including Berhampur MLA Bikram Panda, Member State Planning Board Dr Ramesh Chandra Chau Patnaik, Berhampur Mayor Sanghamitra Dalei, Vice Chancellor Berhampur University Prof Dr Geetanjali Dash exhorted the students to become ideal citizens of the country.