Sri Sri University hosts Art & Literature Fest 2025 – “Tattva: The Essence of Art & Literature”
Cuttack, 22nd March 2025: The Art & Literature Fest 2025 – “Tattva: The Essence of Art & Literature”, organized by the Faculty of Arts, Communication & Indic Studies (FACIS) at Sri Sri University, was successfully held on 22nd March 2025 at the university’s Shruti Building Auditorium. The festival served as a vibrant confluence of intellectual discourse, artistic expression, and cultural exchange, leaving a profound impact on all participants.
The prestigious event was graced by the Hon’ble Governor of Odisha, Dr. Hari Babu Kambhampati, as the Chief Guest. Upon his arrival, the Hon’ble Governor was warmly received by Prof. Rajita Kulkarni, President of Sri Sri University; Dr. Anil Kumar Sharma, Executive Registrar; Swami Satya Chaitanya, Director of Operations; and Prof. Guru Ratikant Mohapatra, Dean, FACIS.
The inaugural session commenced with the National Anthem, followed by an insightful introduction to the festival by Dr. Rakesh Kumar Tripathi, Associate Professor, FACIS, who served as the Emcee for the occasion. His eloquent presentation highlighted the festival’s objective — to celebrate the timeless essence of art and literature and their profound impact on human understanding and values.
The ceremonial lamp was then lit by the Hon’ble Governor, symbolizing the commencement of this enriching festival. Following this, the dignitaries, including the Hon’ble Governor, were felicitated with mementos and shawls.
In his Welcome Address, Prof. Guru Ratikant Mohapatra, Dean of FACIS, emphasized the festival’s core theme — “Tattva”, representing the deeper truth and essence of art and literature. He eloquently highlighted how literature and artistic expression shape students’ intellect, character, and emotional depth. Stressing the festival’s relevance to academics, he spoke about how exposure to diverse cultural narratives strengthens critical thinking, empathy, and a sense of identity in students. His inspiring address called upon young minds to embrace creativity and knowledge as powerful tools for growth and transformation.
Prof. Rajita Kulkarni, President of Sri Sri University, further elaborated on the university’s dedication to nurturing creative expression and intellectual exploration. She underscored the significance of such cultural events in fostering holistic education and strengthening the university’s commitment to academic excellence.
Delivering his keynote address, the Hon’ble Governor of Odisha, Dr. Hari Babu Kambhampati, commended Sri Sri University for curating an event that beautifully blended tradition with contemporary discourse. He reflected on the role of literature and arts in preserving cultural values, promoting social harmony, and inspiring meaningful dialogue. He praised the efforts of FACIS in creating a platform where students and scholars could engage in thought-provoking discussions and creative expression.
The inaugural session concluded with a heartfelt Vote of Thanks by Dr. Rakesh Kumar Tripathi, who expressed gratitude to the Hon’ble Governor for his gracious presence and extended appreciation to all speakers, artists, faculty members, students, and organizers for their dedication and efforts in making the festival a memorable success.
Following the inaugural ceremony, the festival featured a series of enriching sessions and captivating performances that left a lasting impact on the audience. Mr. Rahul Acharya delivered an illuminating talk on “Mysteries and Metaphors: The Enigma of Lord Jagannath”, where he explored the profound spiritual symbolism and cultural significance of Lord Jagannath. This was followed by Dr. Ileana Citaristi’s captivating session on “Dance of the Warriors”, where she beautifully connected the martial roots of Odissi dance with narratives of strength and valour. Mr. Avinash Samal’s insightful session on “Mind Over Matter: Stress Management and Mental Resilience through the Gita” offered valuable guidance on cultivating inner strength and balance. The audience was then treated to a mesmerizing vocal recital by Mr. Rupak Kumar Parida, whose soulful renditions of Geet and Ghazals created a spellbinding experience. Adding to the literary essence, Mr. Alok Srivastava presented an engaging poetic lecture and storytelling session, captivating the audience with his evocative narratives and heartfelt expressions. The festival concluded with a powerful theatrical presentation titled “Ramlalla Ki Mata”, a moving tribute to maternal sacrifice, directed by Mr. Pankaj Mani and presented by the Ashram Mandalee, Art of Living, Bengaluru, which left the audience deeply touched and inspired.
