Indus Valley Times

 By Dr Rama Chandra Behera

Bhubaneswar, Dec. 16 : Vedanta Aluminium, India’s largest producer of aluminium, recently supported the staging of the world’s longest Sambalpuri theatre production, spanning an impressive 49 hours in duration. Performed in Belpahar, Jharsuguda district, Odisha, by the noted Mirror Theatre group, this is the latest iteration of the company’s efforts to nurture traditional art forms at the grassroots level, preserving and promoting the rich cultural tradition of Odisha among the present and future generations across India.

Titled ‘Kaeanjuri’, the three-day theatrical spectacle was organized by the S.D.A. Mirror Theatre and Society Development Association, a professional theatre research and promotion organization based in Jharsuguda district. Supported by Vedanta, the plays were designed not only to reinvigorate folk theatre but also to deliver contemporary, socially relevant messages to rural communities. The event featured a collection of 100 Sambalpuri plays that tackled diverse themes, including education, health, women’s empowerment, and safety.

Performed by over 200 skilled artists from across the region, the production drew an audience of 4,000 spectators, earning the theatre group a well-deserved place in the IEA (International Excellence Awards) Book of World Records and establishing itself as a significant cultural milestone in the history of Odia folk theatre.

The Sambalpur region is considered the epicentre of Odia culture, presenting a rich blend of dance, music, handicrafts, handlooms, and centuries-old artistic practices. The production thus took inspiration from the rich tradition of the region’s theatrical legacy, which is part of Western Odisha’s unique cultural ethos. Sambalpuri plays are also renowned for weaving together captivating narratives based on sacred epics such as the Ramayana and the Mahabharata.

Speaking on the initiative, Mr. V. Srikanth, CEO (Mines), Vedanta Aluminium, said, “Vedanta’s unwavering commitment to community development includes the promotion of local art and culture, which are deeply entrenched in the cultural fabric of the region. By recognizing and supporting traditional artists, our aim is to cultivate a lasting appreciation for various art forms. Through this initiative, we aspire to create a platform that celebrates the uniqueness of Odisha’s artistic legacy, fostering cultural pride within the community.”

Mr. Subash Chandra Pradhan, Director, Mirror Theatre, expressed his gratitude and said, “The Mirror Theatre group is dedicated to showcasing the vibrant canvas of Odisha’s cultural legacy. I extend my heartfelt gratitude to Vedanta Aluminium for its steadfast support, which has been instrumental in propelling our theatre group towards creating the record.”

Vedanta Aluminium believes that fostering the talents of local artists not only enhances cultural vibrancy but also ensures the continuation of traditional art practices for generations to come. Other impactful efforts by Vedanta Aluminium that are fostering local art and culture include community celebrations of World Tribal Day in Koraput, the Namayagya celebrations, and the Bahuda Yatra in Jamkhani. Previously, the company has also felicitated Padma Shri awardee Jitendra Haripal for his contributions to Odia culture. A renowned Sambalpuri folk singer, Mr. Haripal is renowned for his iconic songs’ Rangabati’ and ‘A Chhaeli’, which helped popularise Odia music across national and international audiences.

Vedanta Aluminium’s is deeply committed to advancing community development through targeted interventions in education, healthcare, livelihood, infrastructure, grassroots art, culture, and sports. Through these initiatives, the company actively enriches the lives of the community within its operational areas and beyond, recognizing community members as integral contributors to the collective growth and progress of the state. Collaborating closely with local authorities, welfare organizations, and community members, Vedanta is actively spearheading socio-economic transformations in rural Odisha.