BHUBANESWAR, Nayagarh (Report - Ramakrushna Rath) – In a vibrant celebration of local culture, the students of PM Shri Government High School in Lathipada have achieved a remarkable feat. They clinched the second-place prize at a prestigious state-level folk dance competition, bringing honor to their school and community. Their performance, a beautiful and energetic display of traditional dance, impressed the judges and audience alike. 
State Folk Dance Runner-Up: Lathipada Students Shine


The journey to this success was guided by the dedicated efforts of two teachers. Mr. Brundaban Behera and Ms. Jyotsnamayee Nayak took on the responsibility of coaching the team. They spent weeks training the students, carefully directing their movements and choreographing the entire routine. Their commitment was a key factor in the team\u0027s outstanding performance on the competitive stage. 

The talented group of dancers consisted of six students from the ninth grade. These young artists dedicated their time and energy to perfect the complex dance. The team members are Om Prasad Behera, Surya Narayan Majhi, Shubhalaxmi Nayak, Barsarani Sahoo, Laxmipriya Prushti, and Soni Nayak. For these students, the competition was more than just a contest; it was an opportunity to master an important part of their heritage. 

The news of this victory has filled the school with immense joy and pride. The Headmaster of the school, Mr. Pratap Kumar Satapathy, was quick to praise the winning team. He personally congratulated each of the participants for their hard work and for elevating the school's reputation. He stated that such achievements highlight the all-round development of students beyond their academic pursuits.\n\nThe entire staff community, including all the teachers and school employees, expressed their collective happiness. They celebrated the students' accomplishment, seeing it as a testament to the school's supportive and encouraging environment. The success in this cultural event demonstrates the importance of extracurricular activities in shaping confident and skilled young individuals. 

Folk dance in Odisha is not merely a performance; it is a living narrative. It tells the stories of the state\u0027s rich history, its agricultural life, and its deep-rooted myths and legends. Every gesture, step, and costume in these dances carries a specific meaning, often passed down through countless generations. By participating in and excelling at this art form, these students are doing more than just dancing. They are actively preserving a precious cultural legacy for the future. 

Events like the state-level folk dance competition play a crucial role in the educational system. They provide a vital platform for young people from across the region to connect with their artistic roots. Students learn valuable lessons in teamwork, discipline, and perseverance. They also get a chance to interact with peers from different backgrounds, fostering a spirit of unity and mutual appreciation. These experiences build character and create memories that last a lifetime. 

The achievement of the Lathipada students serves as a powerful inspiration for other schools in the region. It proves that with passion and dedication, students from any school can achieve excellence on a large stage. Their story encourages other educators to invest time in nurturing the hidden talents within their own classrooms. 

As the students return to their regular school schedule, they carry with them the confidence from this significant accomplishment. The trophy and certificate are tangible symbols of their success, but the intangible rewards are even greater. They have gained a deeper appreciation for their culture, strengthened their bonds as a team, and learned that hard work truly pays off. The community of Lathipada looks on with pride, celebrating their young ambassadors of art and tradition. State Folk Dance Runner-Up: Lathipada Students Shine.