The Ramayana Epic Blooms on the Walls of IIMC, Dhenkanal
Dhenkanal: This Republic Day, the Indian Institute of Mass Communication, Dhenkanal, marked the occasion by unveiling a stunning set of Madhubani paintings depicting the epic of Ramayana. The complete story of Ramayana, right from Ram and Sita’s exile, to Lanka’s burning in the Maya Mirig event, to the final Ram-Ravan battle, is brought to life on a 12-feet-tall and 60-feet-wide wall. The mural was completed in seven days by five students of the Department of Architecture of the Veer Surendra Sai Institute of Technology (VSSUT) in Burla, under the direction of Shri Amit Chatterjee, Assistant Professor, VSSUT, with the assistance of Shri Badreenath Jena, technical coordinator of IIMC, Dhenkanal.
The mural captivates the observer with a distinct impression, transporting them to the enchanting world of Ramayana. The young artists have incorporated the elements of Madhubani style painting in an array of shades and colours that address a wide range of topics related to the legend of Ram and His legacy. Dr. Mrinal Chatterjee, Regional Director, Kedarnath Jena, Section Officer, Jitendra Pati, Academic Coordinator, Shubhankari Das, Librarian, along with all the faculty members and staff were present at the inaugural ceremony.
On this auspicious occasion, Dr. Mrinal Chatterjee, spoke on the connection between Mithila Painting and Ramayana stories. “During Sita’s marriage, King Janak requested his subjects to paint the palace. Hence, during Lord Ram and Sita’s divine wedding, the kingdom’s people decorated the palace with Madhubani paintings. From then on, Mithilanchal became known for painting Ramayana stories, particularly those involving Sita,” he remarked. “This mural here at IIMC is a cultural artifact that portrays the actual plot of Ramayana. On the walls, one can see the monkeys building bridges to Lanka, Hanuman soaring up with the Gandhamardan Mountain in his hand, and much more. It is a pleasant sight for me, as IIMC Dhenkanal, being the eastern regional campus of India, adorns its walls with the defining scenes from the epic Ramayana,” Dr. Chatterjee added.