The Department of Odia, School of Comparative Tribal Languages and Literatures (SCTLL) in collaboration with the Centre for Folklore Studies, and Internal Quality Assurance Cell (IQAC), successfully organised an invited guest lecture on the topic “Adivasi Odia Loka Nataka” on 15th November 2025. The programme commenced with a formal felicitation of the distinguished guest, Prof. Narayan Sahoo, Former Professor, Utkal University.
The Welcome Address was delivered by Dr. Chittaranjan Bhoi, Associate Professor and Dean, School of CTLL, who highlighted the importance of indigenous art forms, particularly tribal folk theatre, in contemporary academic discourse. Following this, the formal introduction of the guest speaker was presented by Dr. Rasmita Tripathy, Associate Professor and Head, Department of Odia, who elaborated on the scholarly contributions and folklore research expertise of Professor Sahoo.
Professor Sahoo delivered an insightful, research-rich lecture on Adivasi Odia Loka Nataka, discussing its cultural evolution, tribal aesthetic values, performative elements, socio-ritualistic relevance, and the need for preservation of indigenous theatre practices. His lecture ignited academic curiosity and expanded the students’ understanding of Odisha’s tribal theatrical heritage. An interactive session was also held with the postgraduate students of the Department of Odia, where Professor Sahoo addressed questions, clarified conceptual frameworks, and encouraged further research in tribal and indigenous performing arts. The speaker focused on the rich cultural heritage and artistic essence embedded in Odia tribal folk dramas. He highlighted how these dramatic forms reflect tribal belief systems, rituals, customs, and communal values. He explained their distinctive narrative style, performance patterns, and symbolic expressions rooted in nature and tradition. He also emphasized the urgent need for research, documentation, and preservation to safeguard these indigenous theatrical legacies.
The event concluded with a formal Vote of Thanks proposed by Dr. Amulya Ratna Nanda, Assistant Professor, Department of Odia, expressing heartfelt appreciation to the resource person, organisers, faculty members, research scholars, and students for making the programme successful. The invited lecture proved academically enriching, offering valuable insights into the cultural depth of Adivasi Odia folk theatre. It strengthened scholarly discourse on indigenous literature, folklore traditions, and cultural preservation, aligning with the vision and mission of KISS Deemed to be University.
