Indian Idol Winner Jyotirmayee Nayak Gets Hero’s Welcome in Bhubaneswar
KIIT Honours Singer with ₹5 Lakh Award
Bhubaneswar, July 27: Odisha’s newest musical icon and Indian Idol Season 16 winner Jyotirmayee Nayak received a grand welcome on her return to Bhubaneswar on Monday, a day after lifting the coveted trophy. Hundreds of fans, family members, students and well-wishers gathered to greet the singer, celebrating her historic achievement as the first contestant from Odisha to win the country’s premier singing reality show.
Soon after arriving in the city, Jyotirmayee was accorded a rousing reception at the KIIT Deemed to be University (KIIT-DU), her alma mater. Thousands of students, faculty members and staff welcomed her with loud cheers, applause and bouquets as she toured the KIIT and KISS campuses, interacting with students and sharing her journey from Odisha to the national stage.
At a special felicitation ceremony, KIIT, KISS and KIMS Founder Dr. Achyuta Samanta described Jyotirmayee’s victory as a proud and historic moment for India, Odisha and the KIIT-KISS family. In recognition of her outstanding achievement, he announced a cash award of ₹5 lakh for the singer.
“Today we have gathered here to celebrate a historic milestone. Earlier this month, we had prayed for Jyotirmayee’s success after she entered the Indian Idol finals. Today, she has fulfilled that dream by creating history for India, Odisha and the KIIT-KISS family,” Dr. Samanta said.
He lauded her dedication, noting that Jyotirmayee spent nearly 11 months in Mumbai, working relentlessly to hone her musical skills before emerging victorious in India’s biggest singing reality show.
An emotional Jyotirmayee expressed gratitude to Dr. Samanta, her teachers, friends and the entire KIIT-KISS family for their unwavering support. She said the encouragement she received throughout her journey gave her the confidence to pursue her dreams.
The celebration concluded with Jyotirmayee entertaining the audience by performing some of her popular songs, drawing loud applause from the gathering.
Jyotirmayee scripted history on Sunday by becoming the first singer from Odisha to win Indian Idol Season 16. Along with the trophy, she received a cash prize of ₹20 lakh and a brand-new car, bringing immense pride to the state and earning congratulations from leaders, celebrities and fans across the country.