The 14th Kadambini National Writers’ conference and 9th Patrika Haat were held at the KIIT University campus on Sunday. Eminent Malayalam poet and critic K Satchidanandan graced the occasion as chief guest while Resident Editor, The Hindu New Delhi Amit Baruah, Indian film actor and comedian Vijay Raaz and eminent writer Prof Manoj Das joined the programme as guests.
Speaking on the occasion, Baruah said independence is vital for good writing and journalism. “Today technology has made us lazy as we can get information on our finger tips through internet. We are not reading enough. But we should enlarge buckeye of freedom for good journalism and writing,” he added.
Satchidanandan said most beautiful poets come from tragic situations. “Today intolerance is growing every sphere. Communalism is opposite of spirituality. We should not be intolerant towards any religion. Religion is completely devoid of spirituality.”
Accepting ‘Kadambini Saraswat Samman’ Prof Manoj Das said, “I have a special attraction towards the word Kadambini, because my mother’s name is Kadambini. I have honoured with various awards, all those having clean wishes and goodwill of my large number of readers,” he added.
On this occasion, Kadambini Sampadak Samman was given to Prof Nityanand Satapathy, Editor, Istahar while Kadambini Saraswat Samman was given to Randhir Das, eminent writer and editor; Chandramani Narayan Swami, writer, Dr Basudev Das, writer and editor, and Baidehi Panda, writer and social worker.
In the second session, satire poem recitation was held. Many eminent poets joined the programme.
In third session ‘Kunakuni Mela’ was held, where young boys and girls from various parts of the State took part in dance and song competition.
During the occasion, Baruah inaugurated the Patrika Haat. More than 400 magazines published from different parts of Odisha participated in Patrika Haat. As many as 5,000 people attended.
While Prof Santanu Kumar Acharya presided over the writers’ conference, Dr Achyuta Samanta, Founder, Kadambini, gave welcome address and Dr Iti Samanta proposed vote of thanks.