post news network, Bhubaneswar, July 2: As many as 70 students from different colleges of the Capital city flocked to the premises of the Harekrushna Mahtab State Library here, to take part in the 114th birth anniversary celebrations of the noted Oriya poet Kalindi Charan Panigrahi, Thursday. The students paid tribute to the poet for his contribution in the field of Oriya literature.
Many students also participated in a debate competition organised by the state library to mark the special day. A student, Biswajeet Biswal, bagged the first prize.
“This is an honour for us that we had an Oriya icon, who led us in a right path through his books and essays. He will remain alive in our hearts through his books. I have been inspired to study Oriya literature because of such poets as Kalindi Charan Panigrahi. Speaking on him among dignitaries and lovers of literature is really a privilege for me,” said Biswal in course of the debate.
Santosh Kumar Chaterjee, librarian of the state library elaborated on the achievements and contribution of the poet to the Oriya literature. “He is a legend among the Oriya poets. His novels, poems, stories and dramas will always remain a source of inspiration not only to the youngsters but also to the adults. It is an honour to celebrate his jayanti,” said Chaterjee.
At a glance
- Kalindi Charan Panigrahi (July 2, 1901 – May 15, 1991) was a noted Oriya poet, novelist, short story writer, dramatist, and essayist. He was deeply influenced by Rabindranath Tagore. He was part of the literary group Sabuja Goshthi (the Green Group).
- His eldest daughter Nandini Satpathy, born in 1931, went on to become the Chief Minister of Orissa.
- Some of his famous poems are Jadu Ghara, Puri Mandira and Mahadipa. Matira Manisha, Luhara Manisha, Amarachita, Aajira Manisha and Mukta Gadara Kshudha, are some of the novels that have transcended time.
- ‘Matira Manisha’, the Oriya film, directed by Mrinal Sen, is based on his novel of the same name.
