The Bestseller, a short story book authored by Nidra Naik, was released at a hotel here on Saturday.
Naik, a budding Indo-Anglican writer has come out this time in her second enterprise with six stories which have a freshness of their own. Her stories are deeply embedded in her Odia cultural moorings interspersed with Odia coinages, be it the term ‘Bou’ or about the Maoists of Nabarangpur.
The reader can unmistakably smell the aroma of Odia culture and tradition while browsing through the pages of the book. Although each of Naik’s stories carries a special significance, the writer was enamoured to name it as The Bestseller basing on one of the stories. ‘The Black Idol’ is another such successful story that absorbs the reader’s attention at once and transports him to a different plane. Hope springs eternal in the human heart, and that is what is palpable through the writings of this storyteller.
Joining the occasion as chief guest, cine star and Parliamentarian Siddhant Mohapatra eulogised the writer for her endeavours in attempting to project Odishan themes to the Pan-Indian readers. Guest of honour journalist Sampad Mohapatra also lauded the writer’s efforts in infusing the book with vibes of Odia culture.
Former naval officer Padhi’s literary evaluation of the book added spice to the occasion. Although the assemblage of this literary soiree was more of an extended family affairs yet some writers, mediapersons also joined the fray to make it more enjoyable. Prominent among others present were the writer’s mother Niharika Naik, father noted music director Swaroop Naik, film directora Parbati Ghosh and Monmohan Mohapatra, ‘Kadambini’ editor Iti Samanta, industrialist Tapan Mohanty and the writer’s husband Bhuban.
The book is indeed indispensable for a reader as ‘Nidra’ or ‘sleep’ is a must for beginning a day with new life and energy.