‘Strive for excellence in whatever you do’: President Murmu tells Ganjam folk artists

THEBUSINESSBYTES BUREAU

NEW DELHI, SEPTEMBER 1, 2026

President Droupadi Murmu on Tuesday urged young folk artists from Odisha’s Ganjam district to pursue their studies sincerely, strive for excellence in whichever field they choose and become self-reliant, while emphasising the collective responsibility to preserve and promote the country’s rich cultural traditions.

Interacting with more than 90 folk artists from Ganjam at Rashtrapati Bhavan here, Murmu said the invaluable art and cultural traditions inherited from ancestors must be continuously preserved, practised and promoted.

She also encouraged the young artists to stand on their own feet and bring greater recognition and honour to their parents and families.

The President appreciated the rich folk and cultural traditions of Ganjam and particularly lauded the distinctive heritage of the Saura tribal community of the district.

The artists, representing five prominent cultural troupes of Ganjam, were led by Ganjam District Collector V. Keerthi Vasan. They had travelled to the national capital in response to an invitation extended by the President following her recent visit to the district.

During her visit to Ganjam, tribal and folk dance troupes had presented traditional dance and music performances at Taptapani as part of a cultural programme organised by the district administration. Impressed by the performances, Murmu had invited the artists to visit Rashtrapati Bhavan.

Responding to the invitation, more than 90 artists from the five cultural groups travelled to Delhi and were accorded a warm welcome on their arrival at Rashtrapati Bhavan.

The participating groups included Maa Dandakali Group of Subarnagad in Sanakhemundi block, Sanrachana Group of Berhampur, Tulasi Group of Sorada block, Gouranga Basudev Nama Sankirtan Mandali of Katapalli in Sanakhemundi block, and Saura Traditional Cultural Natya Sangha of Khemundikhole.

During the interaction, which lasted for more than half an hour, the President enquired about the artists’ well-being and experiences and interacted with them in a warm and encouraging manner.

For the artists, the meeting at Rashtrapati Bhavan was an unforgettable experience, filling them with a sense of immense joy and pride. They also visited several historical and tourist attractions in New Delhi during their stay.

The artists expressed their gratitude to the Ganjam district administration for facilitating the visit and providing them with the rare opportunity to meet and interact with the President of India.

Jagannath Nayak of Saura Traditional Cultural Natya Sangha described the occasion as a “memorable chapter” of his life.

The delegation was accompanied by Additional Sub-Collector, Chhatrapur, Partha Sarathi Hansda; District Culture Officer Aditi Acharya; Manoj Kumar Pradhan and other officials of the district administration.

The President’s interaction with the artists highlighted the importance of nurturing India’s diverse folk traditions while encouraging the younger generation to carry the cultural legacy forward with excellence, confidence and self-reliance.