Bhadrak (27 January 2024): The two-day state-level 'Salandi Sahitya Sangam', organized by the well-known book publishing house TimesPass, Bhubaneswar, was inaugurated today at the Shaheed Smruti Bhavan in Bhadrak. The event commenced with an Odissi dance performance by young dancers from Sai Nrutya Academy, followed by an opening address by Chief Guest and storyteller Ramachandra Behera. Organizer Saroj Bal provided detailed information about the event, and Chairman Pabitra Panigrahi delivered the welcome speech, followed by a discussion with Shri Behera on his stories and life.
On the Prachi Tara stage, the play adaptation of Ramachandra Behera's story 'Genda' was performed. Hiranya Mishra coordinated a discussion on 'The Story Behind the Story', featuring storytellers Bipratap Tripathi, Debabrata Das, Gangadhar Biswal, Swagatika Swain, and Dr. Radhabinod Nayak, who also felicitated the participants. Jnani Debashish Mishra coordinated a poetry recital on rivers, featuring poets Narmada Nilotpala, Aishwarya Raut, Tapan Mahapatra, Prabhat Nalini Mahapatra, Prasanna Kumar Swain, and Shridev, with the poets being felicitated by Dr. Radharani Mahapatra.
In another session, poets Dr. Aparna Mahanti, Manoj Bhol, Amulya Senapati, Abdul Dayan, Biplab Ranjan Pati, and Nabajyoti Ray recited poems on the theme of earth under the coordination of poet Chittaranjan Nayak. Former Odisha Sahitya Akademi member Purnachandra Bahali felicitated the poets.
After lunch, renowned singer Susmita Das and lyricist Omprakash Mahanti discussed songs and music under the coordination of lyricist Mohit Chakravarty. Eminent essayist Basudev Barik felicitated the guests with uttariya and certificates. The poetry session coordinated by Pranay Sudha featured poets Ravi Kumar Mahanti, Manas Panda, Shubhashree Lenka, Pragnashree Rath, Preetipadma Panda, and Lakshmikanta Tripathy, with Advisor Jharna Pattnayak felicitating the poets.
Poet Chittaranjan Nayak's fourth poetry collection, 'Liza Mishra O Anyanya Kabita', was unveiled. The short film 'Gilt', directed by Situ Mishra, premiered at the event. Lyricist Sumit Panda engaged in a discussion with the present artists, including actors Prasanjit Mahapatra, Pratyasha Ray, and director Situ Pattnayak.
Lyricist Vijay Mallick moderated the event. Literary enthusiasts Arun Khilara felicitated Abhimanyu Sethi and Savitri Sethi with the Sahitya Sakha Samman. Plays such as 'Abhisar', directed by Biraj Rath, and parts of 'Ucharan', presented by Saroj Bal, featuring well-known Odia poets' works, were showcased. Lyricists Panchanan Nayak, Sarat Nayak, and Arpita Pati performed music, and music director and singer Subhas Ram was felicitated.
Chairman of the event Pabitra Panigrahi expressed hope that this unique blend of literature, art, and cultural festival would be innovative and appreciated. Organizer Saroj Bal mentioned that such events would encourage the new generation. Other participants included Kishore Panigrahi, Patitapaban Pani, Dr. Bikash Narayan Nanda, Sangram Keshari Senapati, Antaryami Maharana, Soumyashree Panigrahi, Ashish Mishra, and Satyabrata Sethi, who contributed to the event management.
