TV
Bhubaneswar: It is now testing times for hundreds of Jatra (opera) artistes who were robbed off their livelihood during the COVID-19 induced lockdown last year. The artistes are yet to put their lives back on track as their industry is yet to revive.
With no other option, the Jatra artistes have now threatened to launch ‘fast on to death’ agitation near Odisha Assembly from February 22 seeking permission from the State government to allow them to organise Jatra with 2,000 spectators.
Though the State government has allowed staging of Jatra with 500 audiences, the Jatra artistes claim that it is not enough to run shows and earn a decent living with such crowd.
Daitari Panda, president of Jatra Kalakar Sangh said, “Till now we have only received assurance from the government. Though we have got permission to organise Jatra with a provision of 500 audiences, it is not enough to revive the industry and the artistes.”
Panda said that they are demanding permission to hold shows with 2000-2500 spectators so that the industry can revive which will help the jatra artistes to survive.
Hiralal, secretary of Jatra Kalakar Sangh said that the Odisha government has allowed reopening of schools and other sectors. Similarly, the Toshali mela and events were also granted permission.
“ We are unable to organise Jatra which is the main source of our livelihood. Nearly 3 lakh artistes from different fields have extended support to us and we will launch the agitation if the government does not accept our demand,” said Hiralal.
Hiralal further said, “We had earlier submitted a 12-point charter of demands to the State government but so far the officials are yet to call us for any discussion.”
The Sangh has further threatened to launch district-wide agitation if their demand is not met by February 23, 2021.
(Edited By Pradeep Singh)
