post news network, Bhubaneswar, May 15: Around 50 noted personalities from across the country and abroad are all set to take part in the Kalinga Literature Festival slated to begin May 17. Luminaries from the fields of art, culture, films, academics, literature and other disciplines have already confirmed their participation in the mega event, the organisers of the festival informed Friday.
Talks with other noted personalities, such as film director Madhur Bhandarkar are still going on. The organisers meanwhile, are excited about the upcoming mega event.
Speaking about the literary extravaganza, festival chairman Dhirendra Kar said, “The festival plans to nourish narratives and nurture vibrant literary community. We expect our initiative will generate and infuse spontaneous energy in the city and will be the hallmark of the literary festival.”
The festival, which the general public can attend for free, is ready to welcome personalities like author William Mark Tully, Hindi poets Kedarnath Singh and Ashok Chankradhar, journalist Prabhu Chawla, Kannada poet and director Chandraskehkar Kambar, among others.
Wide-ranging debates and panel discussions on diverse subjects, moderated by prominent personalities, will be an important part of the festival. Noted Oriya writers Banaja Devi and Durga Prasad Panda will be felicitated during the course of the festival for their valuable contribution to the field of literature.
Festival director, Rashmi Ranjan Panda said, “We are completely overwhelmed by the response we have got for the festival this year. This year our sincere efforts will be to ensure that the festival in 2015 fulfils the expectations of our visitors and continues to be a dream destination for literature lovers from across India.”