Sankirtan Shows the Way to Save Forests from Wildfire

Sankirtan singer Pramila Pradhan of Murgapahadi village in Keonjhar and her troupe members have managed to bring down forest fires this year through their craft, writes Diana Sahu

- Diana Sahu

ANKIRTAN - a vibrant form of devotional art - holds crowds together in rural Odisha even today. The art form, though, is no longer confined to devotion alone. Because, the artistes have been using it as a medium to address issues that are crucial to rural livelihood.

One such performer is Pramila Pradhan of Murgapahadi village in Ghatagaon block of Keonjhar district who runs Radhakrushna Sankirtan Mandali. This year, she and her troupe moved across all villages in her panchayat throughout the summer season performing Sankirtan and raising awareness against the hazards of forest fire. Her kirtans struck a chord with the people and resulted in voluntary action in many parts too.