Akhil Mishra’s ninth poetry collection, ‘Dura Pruthibi’, released in Bhubaneswar

 

THEBUSINESSBYTES BUREAU

BHUBANESWAR, OCTOBER 17, 2026

Emphasising the intrinsic link between language, literature and societal progress, CSIR-Institute of Minerals and Materials Technology (CSIR-IMMT) Director Ramanuj Narayan has said that meaningful development must be rooted in the mother tongue, with literary expression playing a vital role in preserving cultural identity and enriching human understanding.

He was speaking at a literary gathering organised at CSIR-IMMT here to mark the release of Dura Pruthibi, the ninth poetry collection of eminent Odia poet and PIB ADG Akhil Kumar Mishra.

Reflecting on the significance of the collection, Dr. Narayan observed that the work captures the poet’s life journey, experiences and aspirations. He said literature transcends individual expression to become a lasting legacy for society, adding that both appreciation and criticism contribute to the creative process and help enrich literary discourse.

The title Dura Pruthibi, which evokes a world of distance, longing and introspection, explores the delicate interplay between dreams and reality. Through simple yet evocative language, Mishra’s poems traverse the landscapes of memory, nature, love and human relationships, while engaging with the inner conflicts and uncertainties of contemporary life.

The collection brings together the quiet sorrows, enduring hopes, unfulfilled expectations and tender affections that shape human existence. By transforming personal experiences into sensitive poetic imagery, the poet lends universal resonance to emotions rooted in everyday life.

Delivering the keynote address, eminent poet Manorama Biswal Mohapatra lauded Dura Pruthibi for its sensitive portrayal of life, love and human relationships. She observed that poetry emerging from regional experiences could speak to readers across linguistic and cultural boundaries. In an increasingly uncertain world, she stressed, creativity, compassion and human sensitivity remained essential to sustaining the human spirit.

Poet Hrushikesh Mallick underscored the cultural richness of the Odia language and the challenges involved in translating its distinctive essence and cultural nuances into other languages. He also reflected on the heightened emotional sensitivity of poets, noting that those who engage deeply with their inner worlds are not always understood by society.

Speaking on the occasion, Mishra described poetry as a source of hope, resilience and social reflection. He emphasised that a poet must look beyond the surface of events to reveal the fundamental soul of society through fearless and honest expression.

The programme also featured discussions on the poet’s literary journey and the thematic significance of the new collection. Poet and academician Soumya Saraswata Panda spoke about Mishra’s evolution as a writer, while Himadri Tanaya Mishra examined the themes and literary merit of Dura Pruthibi.

Poetry recitations by Raman Agrawal and other poets lent a vibrant dimension to the gathering, bringing the written word alive through voice, rhythm and interpretation. The event began with a welcome address by Pradeep Kumar Choudhury and concluded with a musical performance, bringing the literary evening to a close.