The second phase of ‘Ek Bharat Shreshtha Bharat’, a flagship programme of Ministry of Human Resource Development, Government of India was inaugurated by Prof. Sachidananada Mohanty, Hon’ble Vice-Chancellor, Central University of Orissa, Koraput on 19th November 2018 at Bhanja Mandap, HAL, Sunabeda. As per the rules of EBSB paired states have to hold programmes based on culture, language & literature of the other paired state and Odisha has been paired with Maharashtra.
On this occasion, a special lecture on Music of Maharashtra was delivered by Prof Shruti Sadolikar Katkar, Vice Chancellor, Bhatkhande Music University, Lucknow. The introductory note was given by Shri Sourav Gupta, Assistant Professor, Dep’t of Journalism & Mass Communication & Convener, Ek Bharat Shreshtha Bharat, Thematical address was delivered by Prof. K.C. Raut, Dean Academics & Nodal Officer EBSB and the welcome note was given by Prof. S.K.Palita, Dean, Dept. of BCNR, CUO. Dr. Sandeep Sapkale, Department of Distance Education, Mahatma Gandhi Antarrashtriya Hindi Vishwavidyalaya, Wardha was also present on the dais.
A spoken Marathi course will be conducted for students of CUO under the training of Dr Sapkale. The programme is in collaboration between Central University of Orissa and South Central Zone Cultural Centre, Nagpur, Ministry of Culture, Govt. of India.
Hon’ble Vice Chancellor Prof. Sachidananada Mohanty in his inaugural address underlined the significance of ‘Ek Bharat Shreshtha Bharat’ based on the teachings of some of the seminal thinkers of India. He said, “When we believe in Unity in Diversity, we do not believe in Unity in Uniformity”. Citing thoughts & works of stalwarts like of Sister Nivedita, Swami Vivekananda, Mahatma Gandhi and Sri Aurobindo, he said that India had no imperialistic ambitions; it stood for peace and wellbeing among all.
Prof. Shruti Sadolikar Katkar delivered a special lecture on ‘Music of Maharashtra’ where she discussed about various music forms in Maharashtra like Lori (Angai Geet), lok gita Bharud, Bhaand, Ovi, Tamasha, Lavani, Katha/Kirtan, Sahari Povada et al. In her melifluos voice she demonstrated by singing Lori, Ovi and Lavani which was the centre of attraction of her lecture. She emphasized the importance of ‘Music Making’ which includes writing, producing, texting and working with instruments too.
Dr. Sandeep Sapkale, on his second visit to Central University of Orissa, expressed his happiness on being the faculty for spoken Marathi course for CUO students. He urged the strengthening the relationship of Odia & Marathi languages.
Dr. Rudrani Mohanty, Lecturer, Dept. of Odia Language and Literature, CUO proposed the vote of thanks at the end of the inauguration ceremony and a cultural program followed thereon. Sneha Kudape & Group (Troupe nominated by South Central Zone Cultural Centre, Nagpur) presented Folk Dance of Maharashtra – Lavani, Koli & Gondhia Nritya of Maharashtra. All the artists were felicitated by Shri Debasish Deb, ED, HAL.
28 students across 14 departments have been selected for the Marathi Speaking Course under the EBSB programme through an entrance test which will be held from 20th Nov to 25th Nov. The programme was held in a jam packed Bhanja Mandap where the audience comprised students, faculty & staff. The Executive Director of HAL Sri Debashish Deb and the VC Professor S Mohanty felicitated the artists and dancers.
The Central University of Orissa, Koraput is the maiden Central University in Odisha set up in 2009 by an act of Parliament. Presently the CUO has 14 departments running UG, PG, Integrated, MPhil & PhD programmes. The CUO has made significant progress in recent times under the dynamic leadership of Prof Sachidananda Mohanty.
Prasanta Patnaik