Discussion on “Depiction of People’s Life in Ghumura Songs” Held at Dharmagarh Panchayat College; ‘Satya Naik Granthabali’ Launched

Dharmagarh, Sept. 3: Ghumura, an integral part of Kalahandi’s rich folk culture, reflects the region’s traditions, emotions and everyday life through its distinctive rhythm and lyrical expression. Highlighting its cultural and literary significance, a discussion session on “Depiction of People’s Life in Ghumura Songs” along with the book-launch ceremony of ‘Satya Naik Granthabali’ was organised at Dharmagarh Panchayat College on Wednesday. The programme was organised by the Department of Odia Language and Literature of the college under the chairmanship of Lingaraj Patra, President of Dharmagarh Sahitya O Sanskruti Sansad and Principal of DAV College, Titlagarh. Kalahandi MP Malavika Devi attended the programme as the chief guest. Additional District Magistrate Tanmay Kumar Darwan, District Culture Officer Vivekananda Mahanand, noted educationist and litterateur Pratap Kishore Munda, eminent writer Nil Lohit Singhdeo, college Principal S. Jagannath Rao, and renowned folk poet Satya Naik were present as distinguished guests. As the chief speaker, Parameswar Munda, Head of the Department of Odia and Principal of Jayaprakash Evening Degree College, Bhawanipatna, highlighted the unique relevance of Ghumura songs and dance in the social and cultural life of Kalahandi. He emphasised the importance of preserving and promoting the region’s rich folk traditions for future generations. The occasion also witnessed the formal launch of “Satya Naik Granthabali – Volume I: Ghumura Gita”, authored by eminent folk poet Satya Naik and edited by lecturer Ganapati Bag. The publication was described as a valuable literary effort to document and preserve the rich tradition of Ghumura songs and the cultural heritage associated with them. Ganapati Bag delivered the welcome address, while Sanjib Kumar Munda proposed the vote of thanks. Mohan Charan Bisi conducted the proceedings. A welcome song was presented by students Namita, Champa, Tejaswini, Santosini and Bhismati, adding a vibrant cultural touch to the event. The programme was successfully conducted with the cooperation of faculty members, including Nimai Charan Patra, Saroj Kumar Panda, Saroj Joshi, Madhab Lahajal, Manisha Sahu, Sucharita Jena, Anjali Majhi and Bithika Manjari Thakur, along with other staff members, office-bearers of Dharmagarh Sahitya O Sanskruti Sansad and students of the college. The event served as a meaningful platform to celebrate Kalahandi’s folk heritage while encouraging greater awareness about the literary and cultural value of Ghumura among the younger generation.