Rohit Kumar
Sri Vijaya Puram, 17 November 2024
The Eastern Zonal Cultural Centre (EZCC), under the Ministry of Culture, Government of India, hosted the ‘Sagar Bandhan’ programme at Dr. B. R. Ambedkar Institute of Technology on November 16, 2024. The event was inaugurated by Hon’ble Governor of West Bengal and Chairman of EZCC, Dr. C.V. Ananda Bose, who graced the occasion as the chief guest and lit the traditional oil lamp to commence the proceedings.
In his address, Dr. Ananda Bose lauded the transformational developments underway in the A&N Islands under the leadership of the Lt. Governor. He highlighted the commencement of international flight operations on the same day as a landmark achievement, signifying the Islands’ growing global connectivity.
Emphasizing the transformative power of art, the Hon’ble Governor stated, “Artistes, along with administrators, statesmen, and politicians, play a vital role in the glory of the nation. Art can profoundly impact individuals and society.” He added that India, as proclaimed by the Hon’ble Prime Minister, is a cultural superpower progressing rapidly on the path of development.
Dr. Ananda Bose elaborated on the ‘Sagar Bandhan’ initiative, which aims to unite India through art and culture. Originally launched in the A&N Islands, the programme will be expanded to all states which comes under EZCC. “Through such programmes, we witness the reverberations of unity and cultural integration,” he remarked.
The Governor commended the native talents of the youth in A&N Islands, particularly the captivating performances of various dance genres during the event. Impressed by their skills, he announced the institution of five Governor’s Awards of Excellence for outstanding students in fields such as art and sports. The award will include a trophy, a citation, and a cash prize of ₹10,000 each. Additionally, he proposed sending teams of students from the Islands to Kolkata and Darjeeling as honoured guests of the Governor of West Bengal to foster cultural exchange.
Earlier, Mr. Ashish Kumar Giri, Director of EZCC, welcomed the gathering and underscored the organization’s role in promoting cultural heritage across India. He highlighted the EZCC’s efforts in integrating the states of Assam, Bihar, Jharkhand, Manipur, Odisha, Sikkim, Tripura, West Bengal, and the Union Territory of Andaman and Nicobar Islands as part of its national integration mission.
The event’s highlights included a dance choreography inspired by a poem penned by Dr. Ananda Bose himself and a stirring rendition of the Bengali patriotic song ‘Kabor Dao.’ The cultural programme also featured a variety of art forms such as Bengali folk songs, patriotic classical performances, Nicobari tribal dances, Bhojpuri folk songs, Deshbhakti Geet, and Shiv Tandava Stotram, showcasing India’s rich cultural diversity.
The ‘Sagar Bandhan’ event served as a vibrant platform celebrating unity through cultural expression, leaving the audience inspired and fostering stronger ties among diverse communities.