Hrusikesh Panda's new Odia novel focuses on forest dwellers' issues

Bhubaneswar: Eminent author and bureaucrat Hrusikesh Panda’s ninth novel ‘Samaste Ta Janithile’ was launched today at a function at the Lark Books office. Published by Friends Publishers of Cuttack, the novel is a work of fiction based on real life incidents.

Known for giving voice to the problems of the exploited forest dwellers who suffer displacement and violence for development projects since Independence, Panda’s new book reminds one of his book ‘Sunaput Ra Loke’ published three decades ago. While 'Sunaput Ra Loke' focused on issue of forest dwellers of undivided Koraput, this time Samaste Ta Janithile is situated in a different backdrop and highlights different issues but with the same vigour and empathy for the neglected people.

“I had tried to give the real picture of affairs in interiors in my previous books and in my new venture too, I have continued with the same efforts,” Panda said.

Present at the book launch were many known faces from the world of Odia literature, including poet Ramakant Rath and publisher Mahendra Mishra of Lark Books.