The 28th edition of Vedvyas Sangeet Nrutyotsav-2025, a nationally acclaimed 5-day festival of classical music, classical dance, and folk dance, concluded on 5th November, 2025. Mr. Jual Oram, Hon’ble Minister of Tribal Affairs, Government of India graced the concluding evening as the Chief Guest while Mr. Alok Verma, Director In-Charge (DIC), RSP with the additional charge of DIC, Bokaro Steel Plant and Prof. Amiya Kumar Rath, Vice Chancellor, BPUT were the Guests of Honour. Mr. Tarun Misra, ED (HR) & Chairman, Bhanja Cultural Trust, Mr. Sudip Palchowdhury, ED (Projects), Mrs. Pravati Mishra, Vice-President; Mrs. Navaneeta Pal Chaudhury, both Vice Presidents of Deepika Mahila Sanghati were present on the occasion. It is noteworthy that the festival was organized by Bhanja Kala Kendra, the cultural wing of Bhanja Cultural Trust with the support of SAIL, Rourkela Steel Plant (RSP).
In his address, Mr. Oram extended his best wishes to everyone associated with the festival and said, “Vedvyas Sangeet Nrutyotsav has profoundly enriched the social and cultural fabric of the Steel City through art and culture. It stands as a major attraction on the city’s cultural map.” He further expressed hope that such continuous efforts will help preserve and promote India’s rich cultural heritage in the years to come.
The DIC lauded the vibrant cultural ethos of the Steel City and appreciated the efforts of Bhanja Kala Kendra for organizing this prestigious cultural festival year after year.
In his address, Prof. Rath highlighted the significance of classical dance and music in shaping the nation’s cultural identity and praised the organizers for providing a platform for both renowned and upcoming artists to showcase their talent.
The evening commenced with the traditional lighting of the ceremonial lamp and offering of prayers to Lord Jagannath by the distinguished guests.
Earlier, the guests were warmly welcomed with the sound of conch shells and traditional floral greetings. The evening began with a melodious Hindustani group song presented by the students of Bhanja Kala Kendra under the guidance of Guru Binapani Rath, which set a devotional tone for the evening.
The highlight of the evening was a mesmerizing Kuchipudi dance performance by eminent artist Shrimayi Vempati and her troupe from Chennai, which captivated the audience with its grace and precision. This was followed by a spirited presentation of Ranappa folk dance from Ganjam that electrified the stage, and the vibrant Singari folk dance from Kalahandi, which won the hearts of the spectators.
Mr. Radhakrishna Mohapatra, General Secretary, Bhanja Kala Kendra conducted the proceeding. The welcome address was delivered by Mr. Shubh Shankar Raychaudhuri, CGM (Maintenance) and President, Bhanja Kala Kendra. The cultural programme was coordinated by Mr. Sasanka Sekhar Pattnaik, Deputy Manager (PR), RSP, and Ms. Koena Dastidar.
