BHUBANESWAR: The eight-day state-level book fair titled ‘Akshar Aar u Khya Parjyanta’ was inaugurated by Finance Minister Sashi Bhusan Behera at Exhibition Ground here Wednesday. The fair has been marked by a dismal turnout of book lovers Thursday.
Organised by Odia Language, Literature and Cultural Department in collaboration with Odia Books Publication and Seller, the fair hosted eminent writers and poets Thursday. Famous Assamese writer Laxminandan Bora was the chief guest of the day. Chancellor of Utkal Sanskruti Viswavidalaya Kamlakanta Mishra, Odia literature, Langauge and culture department’s Ramkrushna Sahu, Odisha Books Publication’s Pitambar Mishra, Manoj Kumar Das and Tamasah Rani Das Mohapatra among others graced the occasion.
Speaking at the event, Bora said, “On this International Mother Language day, Odisha must celebrate its rich language and literature. People recognise a community only because of its language, heritage and tradition. Writers like Fakir Mohan Senapati, Mayadhar Mansingh, Utkalmani Gopabandhu Das have certainly raised the bar of Odia Litrature.”
Sanjukta Patnaik, a visitor, said, “Unlike Bengali, Marathi or Telugu people, Odias are not particularly concerned about their mother language. They feel more proud while talking to their own people in English or Hindi. This is sad indeed.”
With 300 stalls of books, around seventy people visited the site which is unfortunate indeed. Visiting hours at the fair is from 2 pm till 9 pm in the evening till February 28.
Three books Barnamala Alochana, Odia Barna, Akshra O Lipi by Nirmal Kanta Mohanty, Suryanshu by Bhagirathi Mahasuar were unveiled by distinguished guests.
