Ama Nrutya Ama Sanskruti-2015 held in Rayagada

Rayagada, May 11: Dhimsa is the most prominent dance of tribals of erstwhile Koraput, especially of Kandha and Paraja communities. It is generally observed by whole community, both young and old, men, women and children to commemorate the cohesiveness of tribals of a particular village and the villages around. It binds them together as a community and cluster of communities leading to a cultural synthesis.

Sensing this expressed need of the tribal communities around Utkal Alumina International Ltd, a bauxite conglomerate of Aditya Birla Group of Companies, at Tikiri of Rayagada district, a two-day Dhimsa festival named as “Ama Nrutya Ama Sanskruti”– Our Dance Our Culture was organized by Utkal Alumina in a grand and befitting manner on 8^thand 10^th May, 2015 at the Helipad Ground of it’s Township.

As many as 31 teams from Utkal Alumina peripheral villages took part in the two days Dhimsa Dance Festival and showcased their talent. Panchali Dhimsa team bagged the first prize followed by Ladiguda and Makapadar. Rengnasil and Kodipari teams were also awarded with consolation prizes. Each member of the team was felicitated by the company with mementoes. Along with them, the teams from Champadara, K. Siriguda, Badamaribhata, Andirakanch, Siriguda, Ambligadtunda, Naringjodi, Peringini, Gaimundtunda, Kaliakana, Karli, Naktiguda, Tharli, Dangasil, K. Karal, Guguput, Dudukabahal, Gulmijhola, Gokulmunda, Tikiri, Bhitarmuskuni, Lachugudam Kucheipadar, Tala Kampar, Bilamal and Jamuguda villages performed their dances. Individual mementoes have been given by the company to all the participants.

On the second day, to provide an opportunity for the local villagers to see other forms of dance of the State of Odisha and outside, renowned dance troupes i.e. Kala Niketan Odishi Dance Troupe – Jeypore; Fate Fighter Dance troupe (Mallakhamb dance) – Puri; Bhargabi Cultural Promotion and Revival Wing (Gotipua and Mrudanga dance) – Raghurajpur and Contemporary Dance Troupe – Visakhapatnam performed their colourful dances and enthralled the audience. A team of employees from Utkal Alumina also performed an aesthetic Dhimsa Dance in the evening.

This Cultural extravaganza programme was witnessed by an enthusiastic huge gathering of more than five thousand people, mostly from the Kashipur and Laxmipur blocks. Various important dignitaries from Rayagada and other parts of the District graced the occasion and enjoyed the programme.

Mr. Vijay Sapra – Unit Head & President of Utkal Alumina inaugurated the second day programme and encouraged the performers and audience.The programme was very well coordinated by Mr. M. Ramesh Kumar, Sr. VP (HR, Admn. & CSR) along with the team. The local police made adequate arrangements for smooth conduct of the programme.

Along with many other initiatives, Utkal Alumina has undertaken this unique initiative for societal development, which has been widely appreciated by one and all. Brain child of Sri M Ramesh Kumar, this is indeed a welcome step forward by Utkal Alumina to promote local culture as well as to build a strong bonding with the local community.