Cuttack | May 4:
The 118th web-based meeting of the Thinkers’ Club paid rich tribute to the legendary poet Jayanta Mohapatra, celebrated as “The Wizard of Words”. The session, organized in collaboration with Delhi-based cultural organization Delhi Utkal Asmita, witnessed the presence of renowned scholars, administrators, and poetry enthusiasts.
The virtual event was inaugurated by Dr. Ipsita Priyadarshini Mishra, Additional Collector of Cuttack. In her opening remarks, she commended the Thinkers’ Club for its consistent efforts in intellectual engagement. “This initiative is indeed commendable. I hope such gatherings will become more people-centric, encouraging wider participation from the intelligentsia,” she said.
The keynote address was delivered by Dr. Kamala Prasad Mohapatra, Professor at Shree Shree University. Highlighting Jayanta Mohapatra’s literary journey, Dr. Mohapatra remarked, “His poetry profoundly reflects the history, culture, traditions, and human values rooted in Odisha’s sacred golden square—Cuttack, Bhubaneswar, Puri, and Konark. With 26 books to his name, his mastery in weaving words earned him national and international acclaim, including the prestigious Padma Shri.”
Mr. Barada Prasanna Das, President of the Thinkers’ Club, moderated the session. He noted that Jayanta Mohapatra’s poetic genius was unparalleled. “He is the first Indian poet to receive the Sahitya Akademi Award for English writing, for his remarkable book Relationship,” he stated.
Dr. Anita Panda, President of Delhi Utkal Asmita, introduced her organization’s objectives and activities. Drawing a literary parallel, she said, “Jayanta Mohapatra’s style and depth resonate with that of the iconic English poet T.S. Eliot.”
Adding a creative flavor to the evening, poets Sneha Mishra and Akhaya Mohanty recited original poems. The vote of thanks was proposed by Prof. Dr. Nibedita Giri, appreciating all contributors and participants.
The meeting emphasized the importance of knowledge-sharing and cultural dialogue. Attendees were encouraged to actively participate in future webinars exploring literature, history, culture, and human values.
The technical proceedings of the event were smoothly handled by Ms. Pranshi Mahanta, Ms. Jyoti Malla, and Mr. Bibhudutta Mohanty.
