Bhubaneswar: The 7th Odisha State Book Festival, organised by the Odia Language, Literature and Culture Department, concluded on Wednesday with a record-breaking business of Rs 6.5 crore. Over 100 books were released by various publishing houses during the 12-day event.
Odisha Legislative Assembly Speaker Surama Padhy, who attended the valedictory function as the chief guest, praised the efforts of the department in promoting the Odia language and literature. “The book festival is a confluence of writers, readers, and publishers. Books are immortal and ageless. I commend the department for its efforts in enriching our language and literature,” she said.
“Books are the invaluable treasure of human civilisation and a mirror of society. A developed society without books is unimaginable. In today’s era of globalisation and the internet, books have created a unique place for themselves, and the younger generation is showing keen interest in buying and reading books,” said Yashodhara Mishra, a renowned literary figure and winner of the Kendriya Sahitya Akademi Award, while speaking as the chief speaker at the event.’
Several books were released on the occasion, including ‘Samanta Chandra Sekhar Patravali’, ‘Balram Das’, ‘Shishu Ananta Das’, and ‘Yashovanta Das’ by Odisha Sahitya Akademi. The Anubada Sahitya Parishad released “Pilank Chithi O Einstein nka Utter” in Santali language, “Lady Driver”, “Swasthya Mantra”, “Kabitamala” “The Diamond Triangle” and “Swadhinata Purvabarti Odia Upanyasare Nari Chritra”. Over 200 publishers were felicitated during the valedictory function.
The Odisha State Book Festival was held from December 6 to 17 this year. The main stage was named after poet Ramakanta Rath, while the inner stage was named after Baji Rout. The main entrance was named after Maa Ramadevi, and the inner entrance was named after Saint Kabir Bhima Bhoi.
The Culture Department also constructed two theme pavilions based on the life of freedom fighter and ‘Loha Manav Sardar Vallabhbhai Patel. Over 550 stalls were set up.
