Rourkela: Soon after the legal victory, plans are afoot by steel major Rourkela Steel Plant (RSP) for the development of Bhanja Cultural Complex as a multi-disciplinary cultural centre. Sources said, a blueprint is being prepared for the purpose. This centre will act as a catalyst in preserving and promoting the rich literature, art, culture and heritage of the state in particular. After a legal battle, the District Judge, Sundargarh, in his judgement dated April 30 has directed Adarsha Pathagar, the unauthorised occupant, to give vacant possession of Bhanja Bhawan and its periphery area to RSP within a period of two months, i.e. by June 30.
Developmental work on the entire complex will start soon after RSP gets its possession. The auditorium that is in dilapidated condition will be given a complete makeover with the revamping of the lighting, sound system, air conditioning and other infrastructure, so as to make it a national-level auditorium. Besides, the auditorium which has no fire safety certificate at present will be made fire safety compliant. One of the major projects to be taken up by RSP is organising an annual Odia literature festival that will witness congregation of eminent writers, poets, linguists and other creative personalities who will be deliberating on Odia literature as well as brainstorming on topics related to all-round development and popularisation of Odia language, literature and culture. Special initiatives will be taken to inculcate creative writing skills in Odia language among school children.
Plans also include the development of an Upendra Bhanja Art Gallery in Bhanja Bhawan that will provide a modern and stylish venue for artists, crafts persons, photographers and students to display their creations. Besides, an art festival will be organised every year inviting local and national level artists to prepare and display their artworks.
Apart from encouraging the budding artists, the festival will provide a unique platform that will give them much-needed exposure. Furthermore, a music festival will be organised every year to mark the birth anniversary of Kabi Samrat Upendra Bhanja that will feature folk, classical as well as contemporary music forms by locals as well as established singers to attract audiences from every age group and taste.
Eminent national-level theatre academies and institutions will be invited to conduct theatre workshops in the Bhanja Bhawan every year during the summer vacations which will also train the talented youngsters in various nuances of drama and theatre. Simultaneously, the gamut of activities of Bhanja Kala Kendra, which has been functioning as an incubator of talents will be expanded. Efforts will be made to set up research centres for Odissi dance and music in Bhanja Kala Kendra. Organisation of mega events to mark birth anniversaries of legendary litterateurs apart from folk/tribal music and art festivals are also in the pipeline as part of the plan.
