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Bhubaneswar, July 16: Visitors to Bhanja Kala Mandap Saturday were treated to a brilliant display of paintings. These were unique as they were done by young tribal students and were much appreciated by the visitors.
The state-level exhibition and an associated programme to distribute prizes was organised by Orissa Lalit Kala Academy and the state culture department. The event was aimed at promoting artistically inclined tribal students.
The paintings on display were made by tribal students at art competitions held last year across tribal dominated districts in Orissa. These were part of a mission to promote young tribal students and their art.
Tourism and culture minister Ashok Panda was chief guest at the event. “Most paintings the students have made are brilliant. It is a good initiative that the Orissa Lalit Kala Akademi has taken to promote tribal students who are interested in art. More such programmes must be conducted. We are planning to support more such initiatives to promote tribal art and students,” the minister said.
About 200 students from four groups were felicitated at the function. The winners received cash, trophies, certificates and painting kits.
Orissa Lalit Kala Akademi secretary Tarakanta Parida said: “We conducted several competitions for tribal students last year. It was a first-of-its kind initiative and involved students from pre-nursery to Class X. The competitions were aimed at promoting creativity of these students. We are also training them in art camps organised by the Akademi.”
Parida also spoke of the future plans of the akademi. “The success of these competitions has given us the confidence to plan and organise a national-level art camp for tribal students. It will give such students an opportunity to learn various tribal art forms even from other states.”
Orissa Lalit Kala Akademi president Raghunath Mohapatra and vice president BN Rao were among the dignitaries who attended the event.