Bhubaneswar: A symposium on ‘Consciousness of Nationalism in Odia Poetry’ was held at the Sanskruti Bhavan Conference Hall in Bhubaneswar on July 22. The event was jointly organized by the Sahitya Akademi and the Odisha Sahitya Akademi.
The seminar was graced by Sahitya Akademi Secretary Varun Gulati; Principal Secretary, Department of Odia Language, Literature and Culture, Government of Odisha, Deba Prasad Dash; Odisha Sahitya Akademi Secretary Dr. Chandra Sekhar Hota, noted writer Shakuntala Baliarsingh, and Convener of the Odia Advisory Board of Sahitya Akademi, Gaurahari Das.
In their addresses, the dignitaries observed that literature serves as a mirror of society, faithfully reflecting its changing realities. They noted that from the days of India’s freedom movement to the present, numerous writers and poets have infused their literary works with a strong sense of nationalist consciousness.
They emphasised that several stalwarts of Odia literature—including Radhanath Ray, Fakir Mohan Senapati, Madhusudan Das, Gangadhar Meher, Nandakishore Bal, and Kuntala Kumari Sabat—eloquently expressed their love for the motherland, devotion to the Odia language, and deep national spirit through their poetry.
The speakers expressed confidence that the enduring legacy of patriotism and national consciousness embodied in these timeless literary works would continue to inspire future generations of young writers.
The seminar featured a special academic session on ‘Consciousness of Nationalism in Odia Poetry’ with participation from eminent scholars and litterateurs including Basudev Das, Arun Kumar Sahu, Biswaranjan Das, Narayan Panda, Prof. Udayanath Sahu, Dr. Ramesh Chandra Behera, and Ranjit Parida, among others.
The programme concluded with Odisha Sahitya Akademi Joint Secretary Sanjay Kumar Chhualsingh delivering a vote of thanks.
On this occasion, a counter for exhibition and sale of books was set up at the entrance of the seminar hall.
