THEBUSINESSBYTES
BUREAU
BHUBANESWAR,
MARCH 2, 2026
Emphasising that literature
plays an indispensable role in social development, Akhil Kumar Mishra, Additional
Director General, PIB, Ministry of Information and Broadcasting, Bhubaneswar, called
for a renewed engagement with language, culture and contemporary thought at a
grand literary gathering and friendship meet held on Monday at the NABM
Auditorium in Bhubaneswar under the aegis of Maya Sahitya.
Addressing the
gathering, Mishra emphasized the critical role of literature in societal
development and stated that literature serves as a vital medium for preserving
language, culture, and thought. He highlighted the importance of modern poetry,
social situation and new contents in poetry.
Renowned poet and litterateur
Hara Prasad Das participated as the Chief Guest. Distinguished poets, literary
figures and intellectuals were also present.
Chief Guest Das shed
light on the position and responsibility of Odia literature in the global
literary context. He observed that the roots of Odia literature are deep and
strong, and it continues to play an indispensable role in guiding society in
the right direction.
The programme began with a welcome address by Pramod Pradhan, Director of Maya Sahitya, and concluded with a vote of thanks by poet Amarendra Madhav Dash.
Other distinguished poets and translators who shared their views and experiences included Kamal Prasad Mahapatra, Sangram Jena, Surya Mishra, Rakshak Nayak, Madhulita Parida, Akshay Kumar Behera, Sudhir Maudamani and Amaresh Biswal.
