Dipchand Bihari
Post News Network
Bhubaneswar, June 8: He did not have any financial support. However, that did not deter him from his goal. Alok Das, who hails from the village of Bhainsa in Bolangir district, has been for the last 24 years been spending all his time and energy in promoting the classical music and dance of western Orissa.
The 45-year-old Das has been organising various programmes across Orissa so that people of the state can be reacquainted with the culture of the region. Till now, he has organised a whopping 200 programmes in which many renowned artistes have participated.
“I feel art and culture is at the heart of our state. We cannot let it be overshadowed by the culture from other parts of the world. I have set up a cultural body ‘Kalashree Art Academy, whose motto is to preserve our culture and heritage. I have conducted many programmes across the state in this regard,” said Das.
He also published a monthly magazine, ‘Kalashree’, where eminent artistes of the state contribute. Numerous budding artists are also highlighted in this magazine.
The money for these efforts, including the holding of national-level programmes, came from teaching children.
Das has also conducted seven national-level folk dance and music festivals so far in various parts of the state, including Cuttack, Bhubaneswar, Berhampur and Sambalpur.
“I plan to promote the dance and music of the region in other parts of India also. However, the lack of finance has forced me to limit the efforts to the state. I requested the government for support but there has been no response from them. I was provided only Rs 10,000 in a year by the collector of Bolangir. However, if there is will there is way,” he said.
Das used to work in a private firm but left it for the sake of his passion. He learnt how to play musical instruments from his father Kabishree Gabardhan and became expert in playing the tabla and harmonium. Das, who has also worked with former Chief Minister Giridhhar Gamang, started playing music in All India Radio and Doordarshan in 2012.
“I plan to conduct an event titled ‘Indian Drums’ where all traditional musical instruments will played by various artists from across the state. It is scheduled to be held in Delhi next year and will provide a great opportunity to promote traditional instruments,” he said.
