Soro (2 March 2026): Niharkanya Sahitya Sansad marked its 29th annual celebration with great enthusiasm at Shingakhunta Nuagaon in Soro on March 1, 2026, bringing together prominent literary figures and poetry lovers from across Odisha.
Speakers at the event reflected on the timeless power of literature, stating that once a poem is written, it no longer belongs solely to the poet but shines with its own dignity. They described this independence as the essence of poetry and the beauty of literature.
The meeting was presided over by noted scholar Dr. Harish Chandra Behera. Soro MLA Madhab Dhada attended as the chief guest and remarked that the true source of literature lies in natural surroundings like the foothills of Devagiri, adding that the gathering itself was proof of literature’s organic roots.
Renowned short story writer Pabitra Panigrahi, attending as the chief speaker, emphasized that literature understands the “color of sorrow, the taste of tears, the architecture of pain, and the artistry of joy,” and ultimately speaks of the indomitable spirit of humanity. He added that every morning brings a new beginning, symbolizing hope and resilience.
Poet Sridev, as guest of honor, said that when one speaks of gatherings of literary stalwarts in Odisha, Nihar Kanya naturally comes to mind. Other distinguished speakers included writer Gangadhar Biswal, poet Kishore Panigrahi, and Shankarsan Barik.
The event was conducted by Suranjan Patra, Secretary of the organization, while Sarpanch Anadi Charan Samal delivered the welcome address. Chandramohan Mohapatra introduced the guests, and Jyotiranjan Jena delivered the vote of thanks.
On the occasion, the organization’s official magazine Nihar Kanya was released, along with Suranjan Patra’s poetry collection Megh Phul and Santosini Dasgiri’s short story compilation Jibanara Manasanka. Several literary contributors, including Dr. Laxmikanta Tripathy, Bijay Mohapatra, Debendra Choudhury, Aditeshwar Mishra, Umakanta Rout, Sushant Kumar Nayak, Ramesh Chandra Mishra, Ranjita Panda, Sanjay Panda, Pratibha Khilar, Ritanjali Maharana, Bilpa Ranjan Pati, Snehalata Das Lenka, and Balabant Sahu, were felicitated for their contributions.
Earlier, in the first session, a state-level poetry recitation festival was inaugurated by novelist Sunil Mishra Maitei. Poet Bijay Ray presided over the session, with poet Himanshu Parida attending as chief guest. Poet Subrata Das was the keynote speaker, and poet Swayamprabha Rath attended as guest of honor. The session was coordinated by poet Mita Pattnaik and Dr. Samyukta Parida, while Patitapaban Pani introduced the guests.
Poets from various districts of Odisha participated in the festival, presenting their works and celebrating the enduring spirit of literature that speaks of human resilience, emotion, and hope.
