Bhubaneswar, 1st March 2025 – A captivating literary meet and poetry session was held this evening at the Conference Hall of Jehoobha Group of Companies, organized under the auspices of the Institute for Civil Services, Skills, and Social Research (ICSSSR). The event was honoured by the presence of Dr. Rabi Narayan Senapati, a distinguished former IAS officer and the Development Commissioner of Odisha, who graced the occasion as the Chief Guest.
In his insightful address, Dr. Senapati emphasized the vital role literature plays in shaping society. He stressed that literature, in its finest form, has the power to unite people, uplift communities, and instill hope and confidence in individuals. He further elaborated on how literature acts as a mirror to society, reflecting its values, struggles, and aspirations, while also encouraging social cohesion and joy.
The event featured the recitation of poems by nearly 20 esteemed poets, including the Guests of Honour, Mrs. Sulekha Samantaray, former Reader of English at PN College, Khordha, and Mrs. Rasmi Roul, renowned novelist and former Reader in Odia Literature at Ekamra College. Other distinguished poets who shared their works included Prof. Mihir Kumar Ray, retired IAS officer; Debendra Prasad Das; Prof. Sangram Keshari Rout; former banker Basanta Dash; Sulagna Sucharita; Dipika Samantray; Nirupama Swain; Dharitri Priyadarshini; Smruti Ranjan Das; Anup Agarwal; and Sukanta Behera. Their poems, rich in emotion and thought, deeply resonated with the audience.
Mr. Kabindra Nath Khatai, retired IAS officer and former Special Secretary of Finance, provided a reflective review of the poems. He voiced his concern regarding the dwindling readership for literary works in Odisha and across India, particularly among the younger generation, despite the wealth of remarkable stories and poems being produced today. He emphasized the need for a revival of interest in literature and its critical role in society.
The evening’s proceedings were presided over by Professor Niranjan Barik, former professor and head of the Department of Political Science. Mr. Nrushingha Nath Nanda, a renowned entrepreneur and Chief Patron of ICSSSR, delivered the welcome address, beginning the event with a soulful devotional song. Dr. Gopabandhu Malick, former IPS officer and Additional DG Police, spoke on the purpose of the ICSSSR, while introducing the distinguished guests to the audience.
The gathering included notable personalities from diverse fields, such as Prof. Nirmal Das of FM University, former NCERT professor P.K. Das, former SBI Chief Manager Rebati Biswal, former banker Jagdish Sahoo, banker Basanta Dash, and journalist Sarat Behera. Their participation in the event highlighted the significance of fostering a collaborative environment for the promotion of literature and the arts.
The evening concluded with Dr. Sushanta Das proposing a heartfelt vote of thanks to all the distinguished guests and participants, bringing the session to a fitting close. The literary meet proved to be a remarkable celebration of literature, poetry, and the power of words to connect and inspire society.
