Bhubaneswar: Musical instruments and dance costumes worth over Rs 19 crore were distributed to tribal cultural troupes of 9 districts in Odisha at a function in Bhubaneswar on Wednesday.
The state-level event was organised by the Special Development Council (SDC) under the aegis of the ST & SC Development, Minorities & Backward Classes Welfare department on the occasion of Janjatiya Gaurav Diwas.
In a video message at the function, Chief Minister Naveen Patnaik said, “Our unique tribal culture enriches our state and country. There can be no development if culture is not given due importance. Recognising its importance, we have expanded SDCs to 23 districts from the initial 9. This year, 9 SDCs have been allocated additional funds of Rs 175.5 crore. I am happy to share that musical instruments and dance costumes will benefit over 60,000 tribals.”
Speaking on the occasion, Minister of ST & SC Development Jagannath Saraka emphasised cultural preservation. “The government has set up SDCs to protect and promote tribal culture. So far, over 1,800 tribal groups have received musical instruments and 1,000 dance troupes given costumes to preserve their culture.”
In her welcome address, Roopa Roshan Sahoo, secretary, ST & SC Development, M&BCW department, said the SC, which was launched in 2017-18, has expanded from 9 to 23 districts, covering 173 blocks, in just 5 years, with 14 districts added in 2023-24 financial year.
“On the occasion of Janjatiya Gaurav Diwas, I express a lot of pride in the state’s commendable work. The SDC aims to organise 500 cultural festivals by March 2024 and plans a state-level conclave for tribals on February 14, 15 and 16, 2024. By then, we would have also established over 2,800 culture clubs across the state,” she said.
Musical instruments worth Rs 7.49 crore were provided to 1,891 tribal cultural troupes and dance costumes valued at Rs 11.63 to 818 troupes. Those will be distributed in 9 districts of Sundargarh, Rayagada, Nabarangpur, Mayurbhanj, Malkangiri, Koraput, Keonjhar, Kandhamal and Gajapati. Total 2,709 tribal troupes comprising 67,500 individuals will benefit from the government’s provision.
Indramani Tripathy, Director, ST, ST & SC Development, M&BCW Department, offered vote of thanks to participants.