Post News Network
Bhubaneswar, Dec 22: Singer Rituraj Mohanty, who became a nationwide phenomenon after winning a music reality show recently, was felicitated by his alma mater Utkal Sangeet Mahavidyalaya Monday.
Rituraj said he felt humbled at the outpouring of affection from his teachers and classmates, and said his journey wouldn’t have been possible without the guidance of his teachers.
“I can’t sit alongside my gurus. I can never be of the same stature,” said Rituraj when asked to take a chair on the dais at the felicitation ceremony. He chose to make himself comfortable on the floor instead.
That gesture won the hearts of many who had come to witness the felicitation ceremony.
The institute had planned to felicitate Rituraj at its golden jubilee celebrations; that however failed to materialise as India’s Raw Star contest, in which Rituraj was a participant, was still in its closing stages.
Rituraj took a trip down memory lane as he shared his experiences of being a student at the prestigious music institute.
“My teachers are my biggest source of inspiration. I will always remain grateful to Bijay sir and Pradip sir for their guidance. Without them this wouldn’t have been possible,” said Rituraj, adding he used to play truant at college and would always be admonished by his teachers.
“I used to bunk classes. My teachers used to scold me a lot. It is only due to their constant quest for perfection that I have developed as a singer. They are my biggest inspiration,” Rituraj said.
When asked about his Raw Star experience, he said it has been a fulfilling journey and said sharing the stage with celebrated singers and music directors was the high point during the show.
“I’ve got the chance to sing for SRK, Aamir and other stars. I might also get a chance to work with AR Rahman. I’m looking forward to it,” the young singer said.
Principal Tamasa Rani Das Mohapatra and teacher Pradip Das were among those present at the felicitation ceremony.
The highlight of the evening was when Rituraj took the microphone to sing ‘Guru Brahma…’, a staple song sung in honour of one’s teachers. Midway into the first line, Rituraj stopped abruptly and looked at his teacher.
“I messed it up, sir, didn’t I? I should’ve attended classes more regularly,” Rituraj said, tongue-in-cheek, to laughter all around.