Rashmi Ranjan

From an orphanage to performing in front of the President Droupadi Murmu, Prime Minister Narendra Modi and other dignitaries during the Republic Day celebrations, six girls from Odisha have truly come a long way to leave their mark.

Braving all odds, six artistes of Adruta Children’s Group from Keonjhar, who all are orphans, are all set to enthrall the audience with the traditional Jhumar dance during the 74th R-Day celebrations at Kartavya Path in New Delhi.

Traditional and cultural dances from several states including that of Odisha's Odissi, Sahi Jata of Puri and Jhumar Dance of Keonjhar will be performed during the Vande Bharatam event after the parade.

“All the members of the dance troupe are residents of Keonjhar but they study in Angul. As I belong to Angul, I met them there on Rakhi Purnima. When I saw their performance, I believed that they can reach the zenith if they get the scope. Now they have reached the national capital with all their efforts,” said a member of the troupe.

“We seek the blessing of entire Odisha so that we give our best while performing the Jhumar dance. We are well prepared for the event tomorrow,” she added.

“I am a native of Ghatagaon in Keonjhar and have shifted to Angul. I have learnt the traditional dance form watching YouTube,” another member said.

We are super excited to represent Odisha during the Republic Day celebrations. I am delighted as I have got an opportunity to showcase our traditional dance form at Kartavya Path in New Delhi,” another artist of the troupe said.

“For the first time I am going to perform in front of the President, Prime Minister and other dignitaries. This is a proud moment for me,” she added.

(Reported by Sibananda Rout, OTV)

Also Read | Republic Day Parade in Delhi: Odisha Cadet Sonali Sahoo to Lead NCC Girls’ Contingent

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