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Bhubaneswar: Chief Minister Mohan Charan Majhi on Saturday inaugurated the 7th Odisha State Book Festival–2025 at the Unit-3 Exhibition Ground, emphasising the State’s commitment to preserving and enriching Odia—one of India’s most ancient and culturally significant languages.
Speaking at the inaugural ceremony, the Chief Minister said Odia’s antiquity stands firmly established through historic inscriptions such as the 1st century BCE Hati Gumpha edict, the 3rd-century Dhauli and Jaugada records, and ancient palm-leaf manuscripts and copper plates. He said his government considers it a responsibility to ensure the continued growth of Odia literature and cultural heritage.
The 12-day festival, which will run from December 6 to 17, features 550 stalls and special pavilions dedicated to eminent Odia personalities. After inaugurating the event, the Chief Minister visited several stalls, purchased books, and offered floral tributes at the pavilion honouring literary greats.
Sharing his personal love for reading, Majhi said he has collected nearly 5,000–6,000 books, maintaining them like a private library. Urging children to cultivate the habit of reading, he said books provide insights into many forgotten or lesser-known heroes of Odisha.
Praising Jnanpith laureate Dr. Pratibha Ray’s “Yajnaseni,” the Chief Minister announced a new personal resolution: from today onward, he will gift books to everyone. He appealed to the public to adopt the same practice.
“Flowers wither in a day, but a book continues to awaken consciousness every day. If each of us buys and gifts books, readership will grow, writers will be encouraged, and new possibilities will emerge for the Odia language,” he said.
Odia Language, Literature & Culture Minister Suryabanshi Suraj said books hold a sacred place like deities and urged children to reduce screen time and read more. Ekamra-Bhubaneswar MLA Babu Singh said the event has grown from being merely a book fair to becoming a vibrant cultural festival, thanks to the state government’s support.
Addressing the audience, Jnanpith Award winner Dr. Pratibha Ray said that in human history, the two most remarkable discoveries are fire and language. “Our culture is rooted in books, knowledge and conscience. A book is our greatest friend—it enlightens the self within,” she said while urging the youth to celebrate the upcoming Valentine’s Day as ‘Book Day’. She also lauded the state government’s efforts in transforming the event into India’s largest book fair within just two years.
Several new titles were launched during the programme, including ‘Operation Sindoor’ by Col. Sarat Mahapatra, ‘De’ by Dr. Panchanan Nayak, ‘Murchhita Moksha’ by Badri Mahapatra, ‘Jhara Shravana’ by Bimala Singh, ‘Odia Shishu Sahitya Kichhi Paryalochana’ by Dash Benhur, and publications of Odia Bhasha Pratisthan and Odisha Sahitya Akademi.
Commissioner-cum-Secretary of the Department of Odia Language, Literature & Culture Dr. Bijay Ketan Upadhyaya delivered the welcome address, while Special Secretary Debaprasad Dash proposed the vote of thanks.
