Odisha Chief Minister Mohan Charan Majhi, on Tuesday, announced that a state branch of the National School of Drama (NSD) will be established in the Keonjhar district.
The Chief Minister made the announcement while inaugurating a theatre workshop in Keonjhar town, an event organised jointly by the NSD and the Spiraja dance academy.
He noted that the new NSD branch would be developed in cooperation with the Central Government and assured that the State Government is prepared to provide all necessary support to ensure the institute’s growth.
Highlighting the district’s significance, the Chief Minister described Keonjhar as a land abundant in natural resources, tradition, and cultural heritage. He emphasised that the district’s deep-rooted legacy—ranging from folk music and dance to rituals and storytelling—would benefit from a national institution like the NSD, which will bridge the gap between traditional and modern arts.
କେନ୍ଦୁଝରରେ ନ୍ୟାସନାଲ ସ୍କୁଲ ଅଫ୍ ଡ୍ରାମା (NSD) ଓ ସ୍ପିରିଜା ଏକାଡେମୀର ମିଳିତ ଆନୁକୂଲ୍ୟରେ ଆୟୋଜିତ ମାସବ୍ୟାପୀ ଅଭିନୟ କର୍ମଶାଳାର ଉଦ୍ଯାପନୀ ସମାରୋହରେ ସାମିଲ ହେଲି। ଏହି ଅବସରରେ ବିପ୍ଳବୀ ଧରଣୀଧର ନାୟକଙ୍କ ଜୀବନୀ ଉପରେ ଆଧାରିତ ନାଟକର ମଞ୍ଚାୟନ, କାର୍ଯ୍ୟକ୍ରମଟିକୁ ଏକ ଭିନ୍ନ ସ୍ୱତନ୍ତ୍ରତା ପ୍ରଦାନ କରିଛି। କେନ୍ଦୁଝର ମାଟିର ଏହି… pic.twitter.com/HF1DN6bYyh
— Mohan Charan Majhi (@MohanMOdisha) January 13, 2026
Majhi further remarked that art and culture serve as the soul of society, acting as a mirror to its collective thoughts, struggles, hopes, and aspirations.
“Drama is a powerful medium to express our thoughts. It not only entertains but also educates people. It raises questions, shares awareness and connects the audience with the emotions of the society. Through drama, we learn empathy, discipline, teamwork and self-expression,” he said.
He credited the National School of Drama for its historic role in defining the Indian theatre landscape and mentoring generations of performing artists.
The Chief Minister reaffirmed that the Odisha government is dedicated to promoting the arts, supporting young talent, and preserving traditional forms. “We want our youth to dream big, but remain connected to their roots,” the CM said.
Additionally, Majhi celebrated Odisha’s diverse performing arts traditions, specifically mentioning the Jatra culture of Ganjam, Danda Nata (Jhamu Jatra), and the world-renowned Chhau dance of Mayurbhanj.
