SUBHASH MISHRA
Dhanbad, April 2: The Kalinga Samaj of IIT (ISM) Dhanbad celebrated the 89th foundation day of Odisha, ‘Utkal Dibasa’, with a vibrant cultural event at the Penman Auditorium on Tuesday evening.

The celebration featured a spectacular showcase of Odisha’s rich cultural heritage through music, dance, art, and cuisine, reinforcing the institute’s commitment to cultural diversity and tradition.
The event was graced by the presence of Gourahari Das, a renowned writer, journalist, and academician, who attended as the chief guest.

Also present were IIT (ISM) Director Prof. Sukumar Mishra, along with Dr. P.K. Panigrahi, Dr. B.K. Purohit, Dr. Sujata Hota, and Sakuntala Mishra (wife of director Prof. Sukumar Mishra), President of Deepti Ladies Club.

B.Tech students Tushar and Chinmay highlighted the significance of Utkal Dibasa and the cultural legacy of Odisha, emphasizing its contribution to India’s historical and artistic landscape.
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Cultural Extravaganza Showcases Odisha’s Artistic Brilliance
Delivering the keynote address, Gourahari Das spoke about the importance of Utkal Dibasa and the need to promote Odia culture, traditions, and customs on a global platform.
The event featured spectacular cultural performances, beginning with a captivating Odissi dance, followed by a melodious song rendition by Prashant.
The audience was particularly enthralled by a vibrant Sambalpuri dance, a soul-stirring poetry recitation by Trupti, and an elegant Gotipua dance performance.
Adding to the evening’s grandeur, Manisha Manjan, Susmita, and Soumendra presented an energetic Kathak dance, while solo performances by Ashutosh and Rupal left the audience mesmerized.
The highlight of the festival was the staging of ‘Mughal Tamasha’, a traditional folk drama of Odisha, which served as a grand finale to the cultural celebration.
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The organizers emphasized that the Utkal Dibasa celebration at IIT (ISM) Dhanbad was not just a tribute to Odisha’s rich history, but also an opportunity for students and faculty to immerse themselves in the state’s vibrant cultural traditions. The event successfully fostered cultural exchange, unity, and appreciation for Odisha’s artistic legacy.
