Balangir, YNN: A young writers’ meet, ‘Pallaban’, was organised today by the literary magazine Srujana Salita Nabaneeta at Sambadik Bhawan in Balangir. Renowned Odia fiction writer Paresh Kumar Pattnaik attended the event as the chief guest. Eminent poet Dr Manoj Kumar Panda was the keynote speaker, while distinguished fiction writer Aditeswar Mishra attended as the guest of honour. Through their addresses, they guided and inspired the new generation of poets and writers.
The ceremony began with the guests watering a potted plant and lighting the ceremonial lamp to inaugurate the event. Well-known singer Ajit Kumar Panigrahi performed the welcome song. Rajesh Jhankar, the editor and publisher of the magazine, delivered the welcome address, while the founding editor, Kshetrabasi Naik, explained the objectives of the Pallaban programme.
Later, in the presence of all the guests, the Pallaban Issue 2026 of Srujana Salita Nabaneeta was released.
On this occasion, eight poets and writers—Dolamani Majhi, Durgashish Pattnaik, Ananda Sagaria, Dharmendra Chuhan, Dinesh Bhoi, Aishwarya Pradhan, Lopamudra Bhutia, and Priyanka Priyadarshini Ray—selected from various districts of Odisha as representing the new promise of Odia literature, were felicitated with certificates of honour and mementos. They also recited their own poems, and poet Ranjita Panda coordinated the poetry session. Senior journalist Manoranjan Joshi shared his observations and views on the poems that were presented. Dr Koutuka Pandara also delivered a speech on this occasion.
Dr Jagannath Sahu coordinated the meeting, while Managing Editor Yudhishthir Meher delivered the vote of thanks.
