Historic ‘Ganjam Kala Parishad’ in dire straits

BERHAMPUR: Ganjam, the land of art, culture and literature having historic significance since long have been attracting attention through the ages. Moreover, the undivided district of Ganjam has been the epicenter of the Oriya language movement and played a decisive role during the formation of separate province of Orissa and has been politically significant. Even at present, the district becomes important being the constituency of the State’s Chief Minister and BJD supremo Naveen Patnaik who has been representing for a decade. Yet, one of the premier cultural centres, the historic Ganjam Kala Parishad located at Berhampur, has been in a neglected state owing to which the cultural centre that has been the witness to the cultural, literary, art and political events of the southern region is losing its charm and not in a condition to host grand shows and events.
Some people and art lovers of the region had then started the initiative to build the centre way back in 1957. As there was no such centre in Berhampur, the centre of southern Orissa, some intellectuals, senior citizens and art lovers had then started the centre within the premises of the historic Utkal Ashram located in the city. Various cultural events were organised in make-shift pandals erected using bamboo sticks and tarpaulin sheets, which became an instant success. Later, the locals constructed a grand hall for holding programmes and the centre started playing a significant role in showcasing and preserving the art, culture and literature of southern Orissa. The centre had celebrated its golden jubilee in 2007 but unfortunately during all these 52 years, the centre has been facing several difficulties due to financial crunch.
Now the centre has fallen prey to negligence and apathy as the administration and the State do not bother to assist the centre for its maintenance and preservation. Somehow, the local committee manages the affairs with limited fund. The roof top of the centre is in such a bad condition now that rain water pours from above on the stage. The walls and the interior parts are crying for attention. Yet people, particularly the politicians and the Ministers who often grace the dias as chief guest and guest of honour during functions do not bother to think about the renovation of the historic cultural centre. It seems that the politicians and Ministers close their eyes once they enter the centre and open their eyes only when they exit after receiving applauds following their ‘promising’ speeches.
The Ganjam Kala Parishad people have been approaching the State Government through various ways, yet nobody cares. Last time, when Revenue Minister Surjya Narayan Patro, who happens to be a native of Berhampur city, had visited the centre on the occasion of unveiling an oil painting of Laxmi Narayan Patnaik, the grand father of Chief Minister Naveen Patnaik, he had received a memorandum from the Parishad members seeking some assistance in maintaining and preserving the historic cultural centre. The Minister had assured them that he would ask the Culture Minister in this regard. Now, it remains to be seen how the State Government acts to revive and preserve this historic cultural centre of southern Orissa.

PS: Thanks to Shri Santanu Barad for the Picture of Ganjam Kala Parishad
Courtesy: The Pioneer