Bhubaneswar: Odisha Chief Minister Mohan Charan Majhi on Tuesday announced the establishment of a state branch of the National School of Drama (NSD) in Keonjhar district, a move aimed at strengthening regional theatre education and preserving the state’s rich cultural heritage.
The announcement was made during the inauguration of a theatre workshop jointly organised by the National School of Drama and the dance academy Spiraja in Keonjhar town. Addressing artists, students, and cultural practitioners, the Chief Minister said the proposed NSD branch would be set up with the cooperation of the Central Government, with the State Government extending full support for its development and operations.
Emphasising the role of art and culture in society, Majhi said they represent the soul of a community, reflecting its collective thoughts, struggles, aspirations, and dreams. He underlined the importance of institutional support in nurturing creative expression and ensuring that traditional and contemporary performing arts continue to thrive.
The Chief Minister also highlighted Odisha’s diverse and vibrant performing arts traditions, citing the jatra culture of Ganjam, Danda Nata or Jhamu Jatra, and the Chhau dance of Mayurbhanj as examples of the state’s deep-rooted cultural legacy. He said initiatives such as the NSD branch would help document, train, and promote these forms while creating new opportunities for young artistes.
The proposed NSD centre in Keonjhar is expected to enhance access to professional theatre education, nurture local talent, and contribute to the cultural economy of the region. Cultural stakeholders believe the move could position Keonjhar as an emerging hub for theatre and performing arts in Odisha, while strengthening the state’s presence on the national cultural map.
-OdishaAge
