Global literary minds gather for four days of dialogue.
Bhubaneswar: Intellectual energy surged through the Temple City on Thursday as the much-anticipated 12th Kalinga Literary Festival (KLF) began its four-day journey at the Mayfair Convention. This grand congregation of thinkers, writers, and artists has once again positioned Bhubaneswar as a pivotal hub for South Asian cultural exchange.
Supported by the Ministry of Culture, Government of India, and the Odisha State Government, the festival opened with a focus on literature's ability to bridge divides in an increasingly polarized world.
Literature as a Unifying Force
Inaugurating the event, Shri Kanak Vardhan Singh Deo, Hon’ble Deputy Chief Minister of Odisha, emphasized the healing power of words. He articulated that literature serves as a force for unity rather than division, reflecting the deep-rooted values of justice and dignity that define Odisha’s history. He commended the 12th Kalinga Literary Festival for creating a platform that welcomes writers from all 30 districts of the state alongside international voices, fostering a culture of listening and nuance.
Odisha’s Vision: The Intellectual Capital
Shri Suryabanshi Suraj, Hon’ble Minister of Odia Language, Literature and Culture, outlined an ambitious vision for the state. Describing Odisha as a land where "the sword bowed to consciousness," he highlighted the supremacy of intellect over concrete infrastructure.
"By 2036, our vision is for Odisha to become the intellectual capital of India," Minister Suraj declared. He announced initiatives to digitize lakhs of rare manuscripts and launch new fellowships to support writers, ensuring the state's literary legacy thrives in the digital age.
Democracy, AI, and Humanity
Shri Harivansh Narayan Singh, Hon’ble Deputy Chairman of the Rajya Sabha, provided a thought-provoking perspective on the role of literature in the age of Artificial Intelligence. He described literature as the "engineer of the soul" and the true keeper of humanity, essential for shaping alert citizens who strengthen democracy.
Adding a cross-border perspective, Dr. Upali Pannilage, Hon’ble Minister from Sri Lanka, spoke on the civilizational ties between Kalinga and Sri Lanka. He noted that these connections were forged through trade and shared values rather than conquest, enriching diplomacy through people-to-people engagement.
Honoring Legends and New Voices
The inaugural ceremony witnessed the presentation of several prestigious awards, celebrating excellence across generations.
Renowned author and Jnanpith Awardee Dr. Pratibha Ray graced the occasion, describing literature as the "conscience of society." The session also saw the release of significant books, including Made in Nepal by Dr. Binod Chaudhary and Samanta Chandrasekhara Patravali by Shri Ashok Kumar Bal.
A Platform for Future Possibilities
Reflecting on the festival's growth, Shri Ashok Kumar Bal, Patron & CEO of KLF, and Shri Rashmi Ranjan Parida, Founder & Director, reiterated their commitment to "Literature Without Borders." They emphasized that the 12th Kalinga Literary Festival aims to break silos between nations and disciplines, shaping informed citizenship through dialogue.
The festival will continue until January 11, 2026, featuring diverse sessions that promise to strengthen Odisha’s role in the global intellectual arena.
