It was an intensely a personal journey where a larger picture of the society has automatically become part of my existence,” said Prasanta Patnaik, columnist, storyteller and political commentator.
Talking to a group of writers, journalists, social workers and sensible readers here, Patnaik spoke strait from his heart on what, how and why he writes. His sixth book Mo Drustire was unveiled and dedicated to the readers at a ceremony on October 19. Former judge of Odisha High Court Justice AS Naidu, who released the book, outlined some points of Patnaik’s writing and their relevance to our time and society.
Speaking on the current state of politics and governance, Justice Naidu emphasised that a writer must play his role as a social participant and protester of evils.
Poet and former Vice-Chancellor of Ravenshaw University Devdas Chhotray spoke about the unseen creative sparks of the book hidden between the lines. He said literature and politics go hand in hand as blood brothers. There is a creative side of every journalist which can at times sparks marvelous literary potential.
Critic and historian Prof Pritish Acharya presented an objective analysis of the book. He pointed out that every political writer must look into the global context of the local politics. Poet and critic Kedar Mishra introduced the book, its author and the guests. Justice Naidu felicitated the book’s cover designer Sudhir lenka, cartoonist Kamalakanta Rath and young photographer Ayush Patnaik for their contribution to the book.