Orissa rooting for Prince Dance Group of Berhampur

(Watch Bharat Mata in Action - http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=pqmBZBK5yxk)

Long before the films Lagaan and Slum Dog Millionaire went on to the world stage to win accolades for India, some labourers and their children had formed a dance group at the Harijan Street of Ambapua, on the outskirts of Berhampur. None had expected this group with two polio stricken participants would enthrall audiences throughout the country. Now, the Prince Dance Group is in the final stages and their fate would be decided on August 22 through SMS voting. Good wishes are pouring in from all quarters. Students, corporate houses, political parties, local NGOs and even the district administration and even the state Chief Minister have started campaigning and canvassing for the group through advertisements, bill boards, public rallies and SMS requests. ‘Please SMS PD to 56882’, requested a local college girl to passerby while campaigning in front of the college in Berhampur. (Dharitri has more on this story: http://www.dharitri.com/210809/story7.asp)

All eyes are now on the little known Prince Dance Group which has become a household name across the country. All are waiting with baited breath for August 22 when the results would be declared and the fate of these slum dogs decided — whether they could go into the hall of fame.

The Souther Division district officials and some corporate houses are leaving no stone unturned and are aggressively working to mobilize support for the dance group. Revenue Divisional Commission (southern division) Satyabrata Sahu has on Tuesday asked government officials to arrange for big hoardings to be installed at strategic places of the city and district, appealing the people to vote for the group. "This is a matter of pride for Orissa in general and Berhampur in particular. We will give them all the encouragement we can," Sahu said. Two big screens are going to be installed at Berhampur stadium and Khallikote college stadium, so that the people here can watch the live telecast at 9 pm on Saturday. BSNL has agreed to facilitate viewing of the programme, a senior government officer said.
Photo Sources: OrissaTV, Orissabarta.com
Other Sources: Times of India, The Pioneer