Ramakanta Biswas

Bhubaneswar: The eighth edition of Odisha literary festival (OLF), organised by the New Indian Express was inaugurated here by Odisha Governor Ganeshi Lal on Saturday.

On the inaugural day, the eminent personalities and experts from different fields vividly discussed about various languages in the country and language based cultures. Besides, discussions were held as to how Odia language and culture can be promoted and popularised.

The New Indian Express editorial director Prabhu Chawla delivered the keynote address while actress-director Nandita Das, noted poet Jayant Mohapatra was key speakers during the discussion.

Speaking on the occasion, Indian Express editorial director Prabhu Chawla said, "Odia writers have bagged the highest number of prominent awards in literature. If those literatures written since the ancient Kalingan period are translated into English, we will get to know how rich the Odia literature is. The Odia literature has global importance."

The festival also brought together authors, scholars and filmmakers under one platform.

"I love to attend literary festival. Here you get a chance to listen to other writers and express your own views. People still believe that I am a Bengali, but I always say I am an Odia. But saying that I am an Odia is not enough, we have to take care of our rich cultures," Nandita Das said.

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