: The 14th Banajyostna Book Fair was inaugurated in Phulbani by local MLA Angad Kanhar as chief guest. He appreciated the organiser for conducting the event. He said books are friends of human beings.
Chief Speaker Zilla Parisad president Nandini Mallick said the students should read more and more books to enhance their knowledge. Guests of honour were District Press Club president Sunil Patnaik and senior journalist Dr Arup Jena. Banajyostna secretary Dr Kanhu Charan Satpathy and president Prasant Behera among others spoke.
Komal Gandhar performed the welcome song. On the occasion, a literary programme was organised by Kamala Publisher. Many writers and thinkers of Kandhmal participated. Books, ‘Nidrahina Rati - Tarabihina Akash’ and ‘Biplabara Mahanayak Netaji Subash’ written by Dr Satpathy were released. 20 books stalls were open on the inaugural day while 100 stalls were put up. The fair will continue till February 23.