Bhubaneswar: Union Petroleum and Skill Development Minister Dharmendra Pradhan inaugurated the fifth edition of Kalinga Literary Festival (KLF) here on Friday.
Pradhan lauded the efforts of KLF founder Rashmi Ranjan Parida for placing the event in the map of important literature festivals of India and said, “I hope the event will be a platform for young budding writers.”
He requested the organisers that the KLF should not remain just an event only. This festival must fulfil the dreams of young writers who can represent Odisha and India one day, he added.
Pradhan also said this could be a perfect opportunity to showcase rich heritage of Odia literature and litterateurs. He requested the writers present in the event to write about rich Kalinga legacy.
Indian mythological writer Amish Tripathy said, “Ancient Kalinga had rich legacy and was influential in not just east India but in entire India. This legacy must be retold to the new generations. As I was in Odisha in my early childhood, it has become my duty to write about King Kharavela to showcase rich Kalinga culture.”
Former bureaucrat Pawan Verma said, “Language is not just a medium of communication, but a carrier of an entire culture. Speaking about literature and culture he said if one is rooted in his or her culture, then it becomes easier to connect with others easily.” About literature, he said literature has to reflect the reality of life not just the dreams.
Eminent Odia writer Dr Pratibha Ray said literature does not have any boundaries. It is an open sky where each writer can paint his or her imagination without fear of being judged.
Another prominent Odia writer Pratibha Satapathy said a writer may live in pain, but he or she gifts the readers a pleasurable feeling through the literary works and that is why literature should be celebrated, before ending her speech with a beautiful Odia poem.
Padmaj Pal received Kalinga Sahitya Sanman (Odia) on the occasion. Amish Tripathy received Kalinga International Literary Award (writing in any global language) and Nirupama Rao got Kalinga Karubaki Literary Award (for women writers).
During the three-day event, young writers and poets from several districts of Odisha will receive Kalinga Literary Youth Awards for their excellence in literary fields.
Besides, the festival will see more 300 writers, poets, lyricists, journalists and public intellectuals speaking on the idea that how literature reflect through the ideas of equality, equity and humanity.
The Kalinga Art Festival has attracted more than 40 artists from many states of India. The artists and expert art critics will discuss the important concerns in their profession, the connection between art and literature and moreover, prepare a roadmap for future engagement.
Mystic Kalinga multi-lingual poetry sessions will also be held on the occasion.
KLF Founder and Director Mr. Rashmi Ranjan Parida believes that KLF 2018 is unique in many ways as it bridges the gap between the local, national and global literary dialogues.
More than 10 books will be released on the occasion.
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