A cultural extravaganza in honour of eminent Odia spiritual poet saint Bhaktacharan Das was held here at the premises of the Godabarish Sahitya Sansad on Saturday. Inaugurating the event, senior journalist Pradosh Patnaik lauded the efforts of the organisers in identifying and felicitating writers and artists who contribute to the growth and development of Odia literature, language and culture.
Chief guest eminent Odia writer and former Assembly Speaker Sarat Kar called upon the youths to abstain from violence and devote their time and energy constructively for the upliftment of Odia language literature. Chief speaker Manoranjan Mohapatra opined that many talents are dying unseen and unlamented without recognition.
Hence, he appreciated the endeavour of the Utkaleeyam Foundation to recognise hidden talents and in honouring them.
Guest of honour senior scribe and columnist Sugyan Choudhury exhorted the youths to preserve and protect the quintessential aspects of Odishan culture against onslaught of Western culture. That would be the best honour to such a great poet and mystic like Bhakatacharan Das, he added.
At the outset, Utkaleeyam Foundation chairperson advocate Rajib Lochan Pradhan introduced the guests.
Prominent among others present were Live Odisha News channel managing director Susant Panda, Satyabrata Nayak, Anusaya Rath, Hrushikesh Mohanty, Niranjan Pattnaik, Pabitra Patra, Tapan Sahoo, Debasis Brahma and Soumyakanta Karada.