Utkal Divas Celebrated with Grandeur at Central University of South Bihar
Gaya, April 16, 2025: The Central University of South Bihar (CUSB) reverberated with cultural pride and festive spirit as it celebrated Utkal Divas on April 16, 2025, commemorating the foundation day of Odisha, which falls on April 1. The event, organised by the Odia students and faculty members, aimed to honour the cultural richness and historical legacy of the state of Odisha.
The celebration commenced with traditional Odia customs including Sankhanada, Huluhuli, and the ceremonial worship of Lord Jagannatha, reflecting the deep spiritual and cultural essence of the state. Hon’ble Vice Chancellor Prof. Kameshwar Nath Singh and Dr. Sunita Singh graced the occasion as chief guests. Dr. Subrat Kumar Bhattamisra, Dean, School of Health Sciences, welcomed the gathering and spoke about the historical significance of Utkal Divas and Odisha's contributions to Indian literature, art, and culture.
Prof. Kameshwar Nath Singh, in his address, underscored the importance of promoting a vibrant and multicultural learning environment at CUSB, in alignment with the National Education Policy (NEP) 2020. He emphasized that celebrations like Utkal Divas foster inclusivity and appreciation for India’s cultural diversity.
Students from the Odia community curated exhibitions showcasing Odisha’s traditional arts, crafts, cuisine, and festivals. The exhibition was themed "Cultural and Historical Legacy of Odisha", offering students and faculty a glimpse into the state’s rich heritage. The cultural segment began with the patriotic song “Vande Utkala Janani” and featured a vibrant array of traditional and contemporary performances. Odissi and Devadasi Nrutya captivated the audience with their elegance, while the spirited Sambalpuri folk dance added energy and colour to the evening. Students from various departments came together to celebrate Odisha’s cultural diversity through music, dance, and visual arts.
The program concluded with the national anthem, instilling a sense of pride and unity among all attendees. Guests and participants were then served authentic Odia cuisine, which added a delectable finish to the cultural evening. The organisers extended heartfelt gratitude to Hon’ble Vice Chancellor Prof. Kameswar Nath Singh and Registrar Prof. Narendra Kumar Rana for their unwavering support. They also thanked the Proctor and the Dean of Student Welfare (DSW) for their cooperation in organizing the programme. Special thanks were given to faculty mentors Prof. Subrat Kumar Bhattamisra, Dr. Samapika Mohapatra, Dr. Aditya Mohanty, Dr. Bibhas Mohanta, Dr. Mitanjali Sahoo, Dr. Atish Kumar Dash, and Dr. Sudarshan Behera for their invaluable guidance.
The students who played a key role in the successful organisation of the event included Sambit Kumar Das, Asesh Panigrahi, Gourab Prayas Rath, Biswanath Murmu, Anubha Ballav, Ankita Swain, Pragya Mohanty, and Akankshya. This celebration of Utkal Divas not only honoured the state of Odisha but also reinforced the university’s commitment to fostering cultural understanding, inclusiveness, and unity in diversity.
