Bhubaneswar, Odisha : The capital city witnessed a vibrant celebration of Odia children’s literature at Sanskruti Bhavan, where the Odisha Sahitya Akademi and Shishu-Kishor Sahitya Akademi jointly hosted the Children’s Literature Symposium and Poetry Recital Festival. The event brought together scholars, writers, young poets, and literary enthusiasts, underscoring the role of literature in nurturing imagination, values, and cultural pride among children.
Inaugural Session Highlights :
Inaugurating the program, noted linguist Dr. Debiprasanna Pattanaik emphasized that Odia children’s literature is the foundation of cultural continuity, helping children embrace creativity while staying rooted in tradition. Presiding over the session, Prof. Dash Benhur, President of the Shishu-Kishor Sahitya Akademi, described children’s books as the “first teachers of imagination” for young readers.
Delivering the keynote address, Dr. Maheswar Mohanty highlighted how folk tales, lullabies, and rhymes in Odia form the earliest connection between a child and their mother tongue. “The seeds of language pride are planted through children’s literature,” he remarked.
Shri Prakash Chandra Mishra, Chief Advisor to the Hon’ble Chief Minister, joined as chief guest and praised the contribution of young writers in sustaining cultural heritage through fresh voices and themes.
Book Releases and Felicitations :
The event featured the release of several children’s books and the latest issue of Konark Patrika. Eminent contributors were felicitated for their lifelong dedication to Odia children’s literature, receiving applause from a packed audience.
Scholarly Discussions :
A technical session chaired by Shri Mahendra Kumar Mallik included thought-provoking talks by Dr. Aravind Pattanaik and Dr. Narendra Prasad Das, who discussed how children’s stories and poems enhance not only linguistic skills but also moral and social awareness.
Young Poets Steal the Show :
The most engaging part of the festival was the Children’s Poetry Recital, where more than 80 budding poets recited verses on themes such as nature, patriotism, and social harmony. Esteemed guests including Dr. Lingaraj Rath and Smt. Haripriya Pattanaik praised the talent on display, calling it a testament to the growing strength of Odia children’s literature.
The festival concluded with a collective call to expand similar initiatives across Odisha, ensuring that in an increasingly digital era, Odia children’s literature continues to flourish and inspire future generations.
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