BHUBANESHWAR – “Human Values are the essence of Literature”, opined the dignities in gracing the 17th Kadambini Literature Festival and Patrika Hat held at KIIT Deemed to be University on 5th January, 2019. Gracing the occasion as the Chief Guest, former External Affairs Minister of India Salman Khurshid said Human Values enjoy the uniformity across the religions. But it differs when presented in diverse languages.
The inclination towards English language has been soared to such a level, it is envisaged that not any of Indian languages will able to upkeep its existence in years to come, said Guest of Honour, Rahul Dev, an eminent journalist. In fact, India is a multilingual nation. “However our excessive affinity toward English language has thrown our own languages into jeopardy. In true sense, it is not a hazard of languages, but that of our civilization as a whole”, added Shri Dev.
There is a direct linkage between language and literature. Anybody can create potent creation though his/her own language and literature. Remarkably, advanced nations like China, Japan, Russia, Germany and South Korea etc are developing day to day sans the medium of English language. Their Technology and Science have been prepared in their respective languages. But it is surprising to observe that such trend is not followed in our nation. Though such exercises demand a little pain, but we will fetch log term dividends in Science and Technology. In this context, the educational institutions have greater roles to play. They should encourage their pupils to carry forward research and create innovations in their own languages, added Shri Dev.
Gracing the occasion, Mrs. Mridula Garg said that literature is gradually losing it sheen, following the readers’ apathy. That’s why the reader base is declining day by day. Now, there is a widespread difference observed between the ethical (moral) and corporal values in our nation. While basic traits like compassion, kindness, humility and tolerance fall within the domain of moral values, only literature can uphold these. The rapid depreciation of Human Values are taking its toll on its very survival. In such circumstances, we have to sustain our literature in order to upkeep our moral values at any cost, said Mrs. Garg.
Only literature can bring a change in the society, said Rajat Kapoor, renowned Filmmaker, director and actor. It is the book which provides us many more than just entertainment. Sans money, a book can be created, but not a film. On this occasion, the prestigious National level Nilimarani Sahitya Samman-2020 was conferred upon distinguished novelist Anuradaha Ray. She was given 5 lakhs rupees as cash award along with a silver medal.
Accepting this prestigious award, Ms. Ray said, “I have a very long relationship with Odisha. I have visited Odisha many a time. However, after going through the English version of the Magnum Opus ‘Paraja’ of the legendary Gopinath Mohanty, I could only learn about Odisha”. Literature and the phenomenon of climate-change have tied the whole world as a family. We should not discriminate among human beings along with surrounding geographical landforms. Besides, we should not have any prejudice to anybody”, added Ms. Ray.
Likewise, eminent litterateur Haraprasad Das bagged Kadambini Sahitya Samman-2020. In the form of the award, he got 1lakh cash prize and citation. Accepting the award, he urged to sustain the specialty and originality of Odia language and literature which is based on the foundation of one thousand year old tradition.
Presiding over the function, Prof. Shantanu Acharya said that literature is nothing but visiting one’s inner self. Literature has no link with the society. As life is full of joy, therefore it should be drafted into literature in various humorous forms. While the Editor of Shatadru, Upendra Nayak was honored with Kadambini Editor Award, Priyabrata Das, Binodini Devi, Bhupen Mohapatra and Rajeswari Dalbehera were conferred Kadambini Literature Award-2020.
On this occasion, the latest edition of Kadambini, Kunikatha and the English version of Iti Samanta’s novel Shankuntalara Jhia(Shakuntala’s Daughter) were unveiled by the Guests. At the outset, Dr. Achyuta Samanta, Founder of KIIT & KISS placed the Welcome Address and eventually, Editor of Kadambini & Kunikatha Mrs. Iti Samanta proposed Vote of Thanks.
Follow this link to join our WhatsApp group: Join Now
Be Part of Quality Journalism |
Quality journalism takes a lot of time, money and hard work to produce and despite all the hardships we still do it. Our reporters and editors are working overtime in Kashmir and beyond to cover what you care about, break big stories, and expose injustices that can change lives. Today more people are reading Kashmir Observer than ever, but only a handful are paying while advertising revenues are falling fast. |
| ACT NOW |
| MONTHLY | Rs 100 |  |
| YEARLY | Rs 1000 | |
| LIFETIME | Rs 10000 | |
