The Nikhila Odisha Pragatishila lekhak Mahasangha celebrated its 16th annual function here on Saturday.
Attending as chief guest, former Minister Prafulla Chandra Ghadai exhorted all the Odias to join the movement for dignity and propagation of Odia language and literature.
Odisha Sahitya Akademi secretary Ashwini Kumar Mishra was present as the chief speaker. Mishra said progressive thought can develop the Odia literature. The writers can mould the thinking and perception of society by their writings, he added. Utkal Sahitya Samaja president Dr Bijayananda Singh requested all Odia writers to join the language movement. Chairing the meeting, Pragatishila lekhak Mahasangha president Baishnab Parida resolved to intensify the ongoing language movement for the protection of the Odia language.
Mahansangha member Golak Bihari Nayak gave welcome address and secretary Kanduri Charan Das read out the annual report.
Poet Nirakar Das was felicitated with Prof Bibhudatta Samman and Golaka Bihari Nayak with Ekadasi Prasad Boitai Samman.
Scribe Bibekananda Jena, Nrusingha Tarai, Minakhi Singh and Batakrushna Mohanty were also felicitated, among others. Mahasangha adviser Pradyumna Kumar Mohanty gave vote of thanks.