The Governor of Odisha, Professor Ganeshi Lal has once expressed his deep penchant for music. Whenever he gets a chance, Lal, a renowned academician, has never shied away from mesmerising crores of Odias with his voice.
Having shown his music flair for 'Ae Mati Odisha', 'Ae Jati Odia' earlier, now the Governor has lent his voice for the State song of Odisha, 'Bande Utkal Janani'.
“Odia is the language of Lord Jagannath. I have always tried to learn this divine language which is very sweet. Now I can read Odia newspapers and understand if anyone talks in Odia,” Lal said while recording his latest song.
Sources said, music director Pramanand had gone to Raj Bhawan with the track after the Governor expressed his wise to lend voice for the iconic poem penned by Kantakabi Laxmikant Mohapatra.
The song was later recorded at a studio in Cuttack with the Governor matching his voice alongside popular Odia playback singers Humane Sagar and Diptirekha Padhi.
“I cannot express my happiness in words. It was like a dream came true. It is a matter of great pride and a big achievement for me to sing song with the Governor. I would like to thank music director Premanand for giving me such a great opportunity,” said popular playback singer Diptirekha Padhi.
Apart from giving his voice in the song, Ganeshi Lal also acted in the music video of the song. The 3.40 minutes song is going to be released soon.
Meanwhile, musician Pramanand said, “I requested the Governor to listen to the composition and he gave his consent to sing the song after going through the lyrics and music. I was elated when he agreed to sing the song."