Bhubaneswar: A state-level birth anniversary celebration of Vyasakabi Fakir Mohan Senapati was held today at Jayadev Bhawan, Bhubaneswar, under the joint auspices of the Information and Public Relations Department and the State-level Vyasakabi Fakir Mohan Smruti Sansad.
Former Vice-Chancellor of Utkal University of Culture, Dr. Amiya Pattnaik, attended the event as the chief guest. In his address, Dr. Pattnaik described Fakir Mohan Senapati as a legendary figure in Odia language and literature, emphasizing that his relentless efforts toward promoting women’s education and social reform have rendered him immortal in Odisha’s cultural history.
Dr. Pattnaik highlighted Fakir Mohan’s pioneering contributions as a prose writer, novelist, translator, journalist, publisher, and founder of printing presses. He noted that Fakir Mohan played a decisive role in the Odia language movement and was instrumental in the creation of Odia textbooks and newspapers. Referring to his literary excellence, the chief guest said that Fakir Mohan has rightly been honoured as the Father of Odia Literature, Katha Samrat, and Vyasakabi.
The main speaker, Dr. Lalatendu Das Mahapatra, former Director of the Centre for Judicial Archives under the Odisha High Court, described Fakir Mohan as the supreme pillar of Odia language and the pioneer of modern Odia literature. He stated that Fakir Mohan’s deep commitment to Odia soil, society, and the mother tongue significantly elevated the status of Odia language and culture. Through realistic portrayals of contemporary social life, Fakir Mohan emerged as a powerful social reformer whose literary works continue to enjoy national and international recognition through translations into various Indian languages.
Speaking on the occasion, Jiban Kumar Mahapatra, President of the State-level Vyasakabi Fakir Mohan Smruti Sansad, observed that Fakir Mohan’s original thinking, authentic characters, and realistic depiction of Odia public life created a lasting literary mirror of nineteenth-century Odisha, ensuring his eternal relevance.
Addressing the gathering, Gurubir Singh, Director (Technical) of the Information and Public Relations Department and President of the meeting, recalled Fakir Mohan’s contribution to eradicating social superstitions. He noted that literary works such as “Rebati,” “Chha Mana Atha Guntha,” and “Lachhama” remain profoundly relevant even today, with characters that continue to resonate in modern society.
The program began with floral tributes to the portrait of Vyasakabi Fakir Mohan Senapati. Sucheta Priyadarshini, Deputy Director of the department, delivered the welcome address, while Ajay Mohanty, Secretary of the State-level Smruti Sansad, proposed the vote of thanks. The stage proceedings were conducted by Public Relations Officer Anshuman Sahu.
Among others present were Deputy Director of Jayadev Bhawan Diptimayee Mahapatra, Deputy Director Ashwini Kumar Bhoi, and several senior officers and dignitaries.
