AIR Cuttack celebrates diamond Jubilee

Tuesday January 29 2008 11:19 IST Express News Service CUTTACK:

It was an evening of celebration, of commemorating the diamond jubilee of the All India Radio Akashvani Cuttack - that has informed, educated and entertained the populace of the State for over 60 years.Dance and music and fireworks filled the atmosphere at the Akashvani Kendra here on Monday with Chief Minister Naveen Patnaik in audience. A spectacular dance performance by the artistes of the Odissi Nrutya Mandal ushered in the festivity.Depicting the progress of the Kendra here over the years, they traced the activities of the station from transmitting classical music, to folk to modern music and songs along social programmes like drama, educational, news and even sports commentary.Addressing the gathering, Patnaik said that Akashvani Cuttack had impacted the people in a huge way and has played the pivotal role in promoting and popularising the culture and artistic heritage of the State.It has created many artistes who have carved a niche for themselves in the national and international spheres.Its role in spreading social messages to create awareness and educate people of all sections through programmes like Nari Mahal for women, Krushi Sansar for farmers and Yuva Vani for the youth have been unmatched.During natural calamities, AIR has been in the front taking lead in propagating news and information on the situation.Despite changes in mass media and onslaught of advanced technology in the contemporary times, it has held its sway over the people, the Chief Minister observed.Naveen also felicitated several artistes on the occasion. Septuagenarian thespian, director and radio artiste Hemanta Kumar Das was given the lifetime achievement award.The awards were also given to dramatist Ananda Chandra Padhi, radio artiste Braja Kishore Mohanty, writer and critic Baisnav Charan Samal, newsreader Debendranath Mishra, lyricist Gourahari Dalai, commentator Gopal Choudhury, singer Kalyani Bhattacharya, sound engineer Parsuram Bhuyan, announcer Radharani Sarkar, Daskathia artist Ramahari Padhi and lyricist Snehalata Mohanty.The first Rati Mishra Memorial award was given to radio play Sabujaka Swapna on the occasion. Among others, Station Director Sanjivani Sudha Patnaik and secretary of the Akashvani Recreation Centre Rabi Satpathy were present. The year-long celebration came to a close on Monday.

(Source : newindpress.com)