Bhubaneswar, Dec 18: The 7th State-Level Book Fair held at the Exhibition ground of Unit-III here, concluded on Wednesday after a grand 12-day event. The festival was inaugurated with a vibrant ceremony attended by prominent guests, including Surama Padhy, the Speaker of the Odisha Legislative Assembly, who praised the festival as a confluence of writers, readers, and publishers. Speaking at the event, he emphasized that books are immortal and ever-relevant, highlighting that literature is an essential part of society’s growth and development.
The event saw the launch of over 100 books, and an impressive business turnover of over 6 crore rupees. It offered a significant platform for publishers, with 550 stalls set up and over 200 publishers and booksellers participating in this event. This year’s theme, “Open the Pages, Awaken the Dream,” aimed to inspire new generations to embrace literature in the digital age.
During the inauguration evening, Yashodhara Mishra, a recipient of the Sahitya Akademi Award, spoke on the invaluable contribution of books to humanity, calling them the mirror of society. She also discussed how books continue to carve a unique space even in the era of globalization and the internet, with youth showing a growing interest in reading.
The festival also witnessed the unveiling of several notable books, including “Samanta Chandra Shekhar Patralipi”, “Balram Das”, “Shishu Ananta Das,” Sishu Ananta Das” and “Lady Driver” along with works in translation such as “Pilaanka Chithi O Einstein nka Uttara” in Santali. Many awards were presented to publishers and authors, recognizing their contributions to the literary world.
In addition to literary events, the festival featured various attractions, including a pavilion dedicated to the life stories of freedom fighters, a Sanskrit literature discussion circle, and interactive exhibitions like selfie points, robotics, and cricket-related activities, reflecting the blend of tradition and modernity in this year’s celebration.
The closing ceremony was graced by notable personalities such as Dr. Bijay Ketan Upadhyay, the Secretary of the Department of Culture, and Debaprasad Dash, the Principal Secretary of the State Government. Both officials delivered heartfelt addresses, acknowledging the success of the festival and emphasizing the vital role literature plays in shaping society and culture. Their speeches underscored the festival's success in bringing together authors, publishers, and readers from across the region, fostering a stronger cultural exchange.
