With the general elections just a year away, politicians in the state are at their active best. The exception is 70-year-old Giridhar Gamang, who is playing a very different tune.

An exponent of tribal and folk musical instruments, Gamang is busy performing in concerts. "Odisha has more tribal and folk musical instruments than any other place in India. My endeavour is to explore, preserve and protect these instruments," Gamang said.

Every month he is invited to at least six shows. But this is nothing new for him. Since 1995, while he was still a Union minister, he has performed in more than 350 concerts, including at Rashtrapati Bhawan and in foreign countries.

In fact, the foray into music has left Gamang - Union minister for 11 years and a nine-time MP from Koraput - little time for politics. But Gamang asserts his foundation in politics is intact.

"Music has helped me increase social contact beyond my political boundary," he said.