UAIL’s ‘Ama Nrutya Ama Sanskruti’ marks 10 years of celebrating tribal heritage in Rayagada

THEBUSINESSBYTES BUREAU

RAYAGADA, MARCH 14, 2026

The rich tapestry of tribal culture and traditional artistry came alive in Rayagada district as the 10th edition of Ama Nrutya Ama Sanskruti was organised with great enthusiasm by Utkal Alumina International Limited (UAIL), a unit of Hindalco Industries Ltd under the Aditya Birla Group. Held at Doraguda in Tikiri, the two-day cultural extravaganza provided a vibrant platform for local artists to showcase their traditional folk dances and cultural heritage.

Organised by the CSR department of UAIL, the initiative aimed to revive and promote local art forms while bringing tribal traditions and hidden talents of the region into the public spotlight. The programme drew enthusiastic participation from artists and cultural enthusiasts across nearby villages, reaffirming the community’s deep connection with its cultural roots.

The opening day witnessed captivating performances of the traditional tribal Dhemsa dance by talented artists from 21 nearby villages. Renowned Odia film personality Ashrumochan Mohanty attended the programme as the chief guest and highlighted the importance of cultural expression in shaping the identity of society. Praising the organisers, he remarked that “UAIL played a significant role in preserving and promoting tribal folk art.”

An active member of the cultural fraternity and a proud son of Rayagada soil, Basudev Manabisoi also addressed the gathering and commended the company for organising initiatives like Ama Nrutya Ama Sanskruti, which help keep tribal traditions alive while contributing to the broader development of the region. Former MLA Makaranda Muduli and film actress Madhusmita Mohanty also appreciated UAIL’s continued efforts to promote local culture and support indigenous art forms.

Artists from villages such as Ladiguda, Kodipari, Andirakancha, Naringjodi, Nuagaon, Dangasil, Bagrizola, Kucheipadar, Thutibar and Sorisapadar participated in the competition, presenting vibrant Dhemsa dance performances. In the contest, the team from Gokulamunda secured the first position, while the K. Keral team finished second and the R&R Colony team claimed the third position.

On the second day, Aditya Refinery Head Mazhar Beig attended the programme as chief guest along with other dignitaries including HR Head Deepak Mohanty. UAIL Unit Head Rabi Narayan Mishra welcomed the guests and addressed the gathering.

Speaking on the occasion, Mazhar Beig stated that the Ama Nrutya Ama Sanskruti programme has played an important role in bringing tribal culture and traditions to the forefront. He appreciated the CSR team for organising such meaningful initiatives that celebrate the cultural diversity of the region.

In his address, Unit Head Rabi Narayan Mishra said that Ama Nrutya Ama Sanskruti has grown beyond being just a festival and has now evolved into a grand cultural celebration. He emphasised that the programme aims to bring the hidden talents of the region into the public domain so that local artists gain recognition and bring pride to the area.

The second phase of the programme showcased performances by artists from different parts of the country, adding colour and diversity to the celebration. Audiences were enthralled by classical Odissi dance as well as vibrant folk performances including Kalbelia dance from Rajasthan, Cheraw dance from Mizoram and Lavani dance from Maharashtra.

The event was organised under the supervision of CSR Head Lopamudra Mishra with support from Plant CSR Head Diganta Mohanty and the CSR team. Local public representatives including Kashipur Block Chairman Kantha Majhi and Zilla Parishad Chairperson Saraswati Majhi were also present. Senior company officials such as Narayan Mitra, Mrinmoy Mandal and Pitambar Behera extended their support for the successful conduct of the event.

With its decade-long journey, Ama Nrutya Ama Sanskruti continues to stand as a vibrant celebration of tribal identity and cultural pride, strengthening the bond between industry and community while ensuring that the rich artistic heritage of the region is preserved for future generations.