Odisha goes unrepresented at Republic Day parade
Republic Day parade is a great occasion to showcase India’s unity in diversity. This is that day of the year when every state of the Indian union gets an opportunity to represent its distinct heritage, culture and development programme through tableaux recommended by the Ministry of Defence.
The tableaux of various states, accompanied by dance and music, when in motion at Rajpath , are a treat for the eyes. The colourful presentations make many nostalgic even as they live thousands of miles away from their birth home state. It’s little wonder then that people of Odisha suffered heartbreak yet again when the state’s tableau design for Republic Day parade was rejected by the authorities. This is the third time in a row that it will not roll on Rajpath, that too at a time when Draupadi Murmu, an Odia, is the first citizen of the country.
Here’s what a few experts have to say on the issue ahead of the event.
Need to find our own faults instead
of beating around bushes
Ramahari Jena, Eminent artist
Isn’t it ironic that a state, known for its immortal architecture and having a rich artistic heritage, has failed to make it to the prestigious event as big as Republic Day?
“Yes, it is an irony and disappointing too,” says eminent painter Ramahari Jena, a former visiting fellow of Glasgow University, London. “There was a time when Odisha’s tableau was a permanent feature of every Republic Day parade. So much so, that one of the tableaux designed and executed by eminent artist Asim Basu was not dismantled and preserved for public viewing even after the event. Stalwarts like Dinanath Pathy, DN Rao and many others used to visualise, design and execute the tableau work at that time,” recalls Jena.
Though disappointed, Jena was not quite surprised at the development. “I have no idea about how and at which stage Odisha was excluded from the event. However, my personal observation is that we are getting repetitive over the years and our designs lack novelty. Therefore, there is a need to work on this aspect.”
Elaborating more he continues: “As you said, Odisha is known for its art, culture, architecture and artistic heritage. So, we need to include more creative people in the selection process. Not just for the execution of tableau work, tenders should also be invited from young designers to present their model and they should be scrutinized by a committee composed of experts from various art fields instead of government officials.”
“There is also a tendency to blame others for our failure. But this is time, we need to introspect and find our own faults and rectify them instead of beating around the bush. We should analyze what the other states did better than us to get selected,” concludes Jena.
Result this year quite baffling
Gajendra Prasad Sahu, artist & designer
It was the Republic Day parade of 2020 when Odisha had last presented its tableau. The theme was based on Lingaraj Temple and Rukuna Rath. Gajendra Prasad Sahu, a well known artist and former secretary of Odisha Lalit Kala Akademi had designed and executed the project.
Sahu, who was also the designer for the year 2023, says he never expected that this year’s design featuring Mukteswar Temple, Mahari & Ghumura dance forms would be rejected as the proposed model was appreciated in all stages of the selection process held in New Delhi.
“It’s really baffling. I want to know on which grounds they (officials of the Defence Ministry) have rejected our design,” he said.
“Last year we presented our model on Buxi Jagabandhu and it was rejected. Later, it was learnt that there was a debate in Parliament around that time over whether the Paika Rebellion led by Buxi in 1817 can be considered the first war of India’s freedom struggle. As there was dispute on the issue, our tableau featuring Buxi was perhaps not considered for the Republic Day parade. But this year there was no controversy as such and we were even suggested a few changes in the music in the last meeting. But later we were not invited further. Four more designers from other states, which were rejected earlier, have been recalled again, I came to know,” added an upset Sahu.
Showcasing a state’s culture and heritage is a matter of pride and Odisha’s pride has been wounded, he further said.
He has knocked at all the doors and approached all who matter to make Odisha tableau roll on Rajpath in 2023 but to no avail, said Sahu who has designed and executed the work on four occasions and won a few awards also
Let’s not make compromise with Odisha’s pride
Biranchi Sahu, artist and tableau designer
“Don’t we consult a good architect while planning to construct a house and pay his charges,” asks young designer Biranchi Sahu who has showcased state’s art and culture at Republic Day Parade on five occasions – 2003, 2006, 2007, 2011 & 2013 when enquired what could be the reasons that Odisha remained unrepresented at R-Day parade for third successive year.
“We’re getting rejected because our designs are not up to the mark as we are not hiring good quality designers for the job,” he adds.
“Let’s not make compromises with the state’s pride when the matter is about the art and culture of Odisha,” he further says.
Elaborating more, Sahu continues: “I think the most important part of tableau making is its design. We need to have experts in the selection panel, instead of government officials, to zero in on a good design. People who have experience in the field should be roped in and more designers should be encouraged to participate which is not happening at the moment. As I said earlier a good designer should get his dues also. Here, the budget of the project is also an issue. A good design can’t be executed within a shoestring budget. In a bid to bag the project, the bidders are quoting less price and the designs are selected accordingly. When the matter is about showcasing state’s pride on a national platform, we shouldn’t compromise with it and spend generously.”
This apart, Centre also plays an important role in the tableau selection process which often goes against Odisha. The states with the same ruling party have an edge over the states ruled by the opposition parties. However, it always becomes difficult for the authorities to reject a design if it is exceptionally good, says Sahu who won the first prize for best tableau along with two other best prizes at the R-Day parade of 2007.
Jury comprising experts is need of the hour
Manas Ranjan Jena, Artist and former secretary of Odisha Lalit Kala Akademi
Not keeping the experienced artists in the design selection panel is one of the main reasons behind frequent absence of Odisha tableau at Republic Day parade, says eminent painter and former secretary of Odisha Lalit Kala Akademi Manas Ranjan Jena.
“The designer of the tableau should be technically well equipped. Eminent painter and legendary theatre personality Asim Basu was best among the designers I have worked with. He along with famous artists Dinanath Pathy and DN Rao had a formidable team and it was becoming difficult for any selection panel to reject their designs. But now we are lagging behind in this aspect which is why our designs are often not acceptable to the technical committee of the Defence Ministry,” reasons out Jena for the recent rejection of the Odisha tableau.
Asked what could be done to bring the glory back, Jena suggests, “We shouldn’t get carried away by the designations. There is a need to form a jury comprising experts in the fields to select the design. Names like Biranchi Sahu, Subas Pujari, Gajendra Sahu who had earlier showcased Odisha’s culture and heritage on national platform or reputed painters like Ramahari Jena can be included in the panel instead of high ranked government officials. This can go a long way in addressing the issue.”