REPORT

KADAMBINI LITERARY FESTIVAL, KADAMBINI PATRIKA HAAT & KUNAKUNI MELA

KADAMBINI LITERARY FESTIVAL Sabha) Dr. Achyuta Samanta, the founder of two world class universities 17th Kadambini Literary Fest, 12th KIIT, KISS & KADAMBINI addressed that, ‘The Kadambini’ is not only a Kadambini Patrika Haat and premier monthly family magazine of the state rather ‘The Kadambini’ is a Kunakuni Mela, the annual mega literary movement by propagating a culturally sophisticated society that event by Kadambini Media has flaunt it’s grandiloquent depths. From the inception it is dedicated towards been held on January 5, 2020, at the upliftment of art, culture, literature, social tradition at the global Convention Centre, Campus VI, KIIT podium which is justified through its tag line (The Kadambini: Most lovable University premises in the capital family bond; Ours, Yours & Everyone’s). ‘The Kadambini’ is one of the city. The Function earned a huge India’s largest circulated premier monthly family magazine of Odisha with gathering of around ten thousand literary people, artistes, film makers, intellectuals, journalists, writers, editors, publishers, readers, research scholars, students of literature and Kadambini lovers from all over the country. Year after year the participation is increasing and now it has become the ‘Sahitya Kumbha Mela’ of Odisha. Here follows a brief report on this ‘Sahitya Kumbha Mela’. Eminent educationist, philanthropist and Hon’ble MP (Lok Smt. Anuradha Ray on receiving ‘Nilimarani Sahitya Samman-2020’ 1 Hon’ble Dignitaries present on Kadambini Literary Festival Stage

Inaugurator & Chief Guest: Sj. Salman Khurshid:

auditorium of literary peoples, other side a vast display of different magazines under one roof, create a wonderful atmosphere. After seeing this literary festival, my thinking is completely changed now, what I was thinking before coming to this place. Very beautiful and sky- scraping function, my heartiest compliments to its organiser Dr. It was an amazing experience for Achyuta Samanta and Dr. Iti me to be a part of ‘Kadambini Samanta, Editor ‘The Kadambini’. Welcome address by Founder Literary Festival’. It was surprising Their efforts towards upliftment Dr. Achyuta Samanta for me that ‘Kadambini’ a of art, culture & literature go in regional states monthly family full swing. All the dignitaries an effective readership of around magazine has organised such an present in this function spoke very two million. A comprehensive enormous function wherein well which, I think is liked by the family magazine ‘The Kadambini’ there is a large gathering of audience too. Overall I must say has captured the mindscape of all renowned writers and literature ‘Kadambini Literary Festival’ is a sections of people. It has also lovers. One side a house full victorious literary arrangement. created it’s space in the heart of Odias residing in the country and abroad. This attractive monthly magazine with its broad content- mix and quality printing caters to the taste of all cultured Odias regardless of age, gender and income level. He added, in the odyssey of twenty years of Kadambini, where she stands and holds a successful position today, is only possible due to love and affection of its uncountable readers, writers, editors, subscribers, advertisers, well wishers and many more Kadambini lovers. Sj. Haraprasad Das on receiving ‘Kadambini Sahitya Samman-2020’ 2 Release of Kunikatha January 2020 Issue

Dr. Itirani Samanta Editor ‘The Kadambini’ & ‘The Hon’ble Guest: Ms Mridula Garg Kunikatha’ has been patronizing literature since last 20 years. It grand lit fest, I visited the two vast will not be an exaggeration to creation by Dr. Achyuta Samata KIIS aver that the Kadambini Literary & KIIT. After visiting this two world Festival is only and unique class organisation, knowing about approach in the country. She them and by spending some time expressed her hearty thanks to with the childrens I am completely Hon’ble Guests and audience overwhelmed. And now I am seeing present there by saying that, the grand literary festival. I am Kadambini has reached the really happy to see the three pillars success floor only due to your i.e education, art & literature well wishes, admire, First of all I am very much thankful together in one function. I have no enthusiasm, involvement, to Dr. Achyuta Samanta and Dr. Iti words of appreciation for the work presence and encouragement. Samanta for making me a part of being done by Dr. Achyuta Samanta Dr. Samanta added that, the such a unique and magnificent & Dr. Iti Samanta. I would like to say huge gathering of audience in literary festival. I am very much ‘Kadambini Literary Festival’ is a each and every function hosted mesmerised by seeing this torchbearer for Indian art, culture by ‘The Kadambini’ and ‘The function. Before attending this & literature. Hon’ble Guest: Sj. Rahul Dev: I am very much overwhelmed by seeing ‘Kadambini Literary Festival’. I have never thought before coming to this place that the function will be this great function. I think, like me many more must have also been astonished too. Now in the era of science and technology literature is being pushed back. The presence of literature and literary people in today’s society does not exist as in past years. But I think it’s not at all true after seeing this mega function of ‘Kadambini’. The way literature and literature related persons are being honoured and felicitated in this function; an honorary respect is created towards literature. One more thing I would like to say publishing a monthly regional magazine in today’s time is very difficult task and very very challenging too. I am very pleased to know that after facing so many challenges ‘Kadambini’ is being published continuously since last 20 years. For this I pay my gratitude to Dr. Achyuta Samanta, Dr. Iti Samanta and Kadambini media. Lastly I would say ‘Kadambini Literary Festival’ is a successful function. 3 Hon’ble Guest: Sj. Rajat Kapoor I am very glad to be the part of ‘Kadambini Literary Festival’. This is a marvellous literary festival I have seen ever. The literary ambience created here and the mass audience present in a literary function is beyond my belief. The house full auditorium is the perfect example of how popular is ‘Kadambini’ among the people. Gathering huge literary lovers under one roof, inviting renowned personalities and felicitating Vote of Thanks by Dr. Iti Samanta, literary dignitaries is a great effort Editor ‘The Kadambini’ done by ‘Kadambini Literary Festival’. Visiting ‘Kadambini Kunikatha’ shows that how much Patrika Haat’ was a new and they love Kadambini. amazing experience for me. Kadambini media is relentlessly working for promotion of art, culture and literature of Chairman: Sj. Santanu Kumar Acharya Odisha. Every year it hosts a day long function in the month of Hosting the ‘Kadambini Literary January (1st Sunday) ‘Kadambini Festival’ the mega event every year Literary Festival’, ‘Kadambini and promoting art, culture and Patrikaa Haata’, and ‘Kunakuni literarture of Odisha since last 20 Mela’. It’s a congregation of 10000 years is incomparable. At the initial audience comprising of literary stage when the event was started personalities from remote corners no one has ever thought that it will of the state, elite mass residing in earn such a great recognition in the the metros, writers, cultural future, which has now become the enthusiasts, students and Sahitya Kumbha Mela of Odisha. teenagers from all over Odisha and This has only possible due to the outside under one platform for tough effort put by Dr. Achyuta interaction and deliberation on Samanta and Dr. Iti Samanta. May god shower endless blessings on both different topics related to brother and sister for uplifting and promoting art, culture and literature literature, art, culture and vastly. This grand festival is awaited by its lover eagerly especially the publication of magazines from 8 AM Patrika Haat which is a unique and only magazine fair of the state. to 8 PM.

Release of the novel ‘Shakuntala’s Daughter’ by Dr. Iti Samanta, published by Authors Press, New Delhi 4 Kadambini Literary Festival is now not limited to a fest, but over Ms. Anuradha Ray: ‘Nilimarani Sahitya the years it has earned recognition as a literary movement. Not only in Samman 2020’- Recipient the state, but the mega literary seen such a unique festival of event has earned glory in the magazines. For the first time I national level and in the have seen this kind of magazine international arena. And all this has festival. ‘Kadambini Patrika Haat’ become possible due to the tough is a small support for small and effort put by the Founder Dr. independent magazines which Achyuta Samanta and Editor Dr. needs the exposure, so according Itirani Samanta. to me it’s a brilliant concept. I am The 1st session of this function once again thankful to Kadambini was inauguration of ‘Kadambini Media for this remarkable Patrika Haat’. Just before the festival. Importantly I would like inaugural ceremony our Chief to say ‘The Kadambini’ is being Guest, Hon’ble guests offered Odia literature and language is continuously published since last garland at bronze statue of very vast and rich. I am extremely 20 years by maintaining high Mahatma Gandhi’s established in happy that Kadambini media has quality printing though print the premises. Thereafter very well understood me and my media is going through a very ‘Kadambini Patrika Haat’ was literary contributions and difficult time now is truly a inaugurated by our Inaugurator & honoured me with the most remarkable job. My only regret is Chief Guests Sj. Salman Khurshid, prestigious ‘Nilimarani Sahitya that I don’t know Odiya and Former Minister of External Affairs Samman’. It is a great honour for cannot read Kadambini. Before I (Govt. Of India), Senior Advocate me to receive this award. I pay my finish, I would say the warm & Writer and then ‘Kadambini sincere thanks to Dr. Achyuta friendship and generosity I Patrika Haat’ was opened for Samanta, founder Kadambini experienced especially by Dr. visitors. The 2nd session of the Media Pvt Ltd and Dr. Itirani Achyuta Samant Ji, her sister Dr. function was ‘Kadambini Literary Samanta, Editor ‘The Kadambini’. Itirani Samanta, and her son Festival’. After inviting our Chief Kadambini Literary Festival is an Shreejit, made these few days Guest and Hon’ble Guests to the extremely exciting festival. Such memorable for me. Ever since I stage, auspicious lamp was a huge gathering in an literary have come back from lightened and garlands were festival is very much astonishing Bhubaneshwar I haven’t stopped offered to the deities. Flower for me. Similarly I am too much telling people about the bouquets were presented to the overwhelmed by seeing the remarkable ‘Kadambini Literary Guests on stage. Signature song of ‘Kadambini Patrika Haat’. In Festival’. It was wonderful to Kadambini was played at Kolkata book fair I have seen little experience the vibrant literary background. Dr. Achyuta Samanta, magazine sections but I haven’t atmosphere at this festival. Hon’ble MP (Loksabha) and founder

5 ‘The Kadambini’ delivered his welcome address, Dr. Itirani Sj. Haraprasad Das: ‘Kadambini Sahitya Samanta, Editor ‘The Kadambini’ gave vote of thanks. The function Samman 2020’-Recipient was presided by eminent writer most efficient supporting staff of Prof. Santanu Kumar Acharya. Kadambin who had never made In this literary function me feel like a Guest. Since long renowned novelist Ms Anuradha ago before I was appointed as Roy was conferred with the Pro-Chancellor of World Class ‘Nilimarani Sahitya Samman 2020’ University ‘KIIT’, founded by Dr. for her contribution to the Achyuta Samanta, Iti was very literature. The award carries cash prize of rupees five lakh, emblem, close to me and my wife Sandhya. shawl and certificate. This award Sandhya loved Iti very much and carries the highest monetary that lovely relation among both of amount given in the literary field them still exists. For both of us Iti of Odisha. Besides, ‘Kadambini is not only a renowned writer and Sahitya Samman 2020’ was editor rather she is like our conferred upon eminent writer Sj. To be honoured by own people at daughter. Dr. Achyuta Samanta Haraprasad Das for his immense own house is a very prosperous appointed me as the Pro- contribution to the field of Odia and great job. A person is never chancellor of KIIT University but literarture. The award carries a like a chief in his own home place never let me to feel like I am an cash prize of rupees one lakh, and if he is being treated like that, employee and he is my employer. emblem, shawl and certificate. then that prosperous moment is In each issue of ‘Kadambini’ I had Similarly Sj. Upendra Prasad very much enjoyable with love written ghazal for continuous four Nayak, Editor of magazine and affection. Sharing that love years. The introduction of ghazal ‘Satadru’ was awarded with the and affection you earned, with in the tradition of Odia poetry ‘Kadambini Sampadaka Samman your family makes you happier. On field is only possible due to Iti’s 2020’. Subsequently Sj. Priyabrata receiving the prestigious editorial foresight. I am very much Das, Ms. Binodini Devi, Sj. Bhupen ‘Kadambini Sahitya Samman’,I happy to receive the ‘Kadambini Mahapatra and Ms. Rajeswari shared that happiness with Dr. Sahitya Samman-2020’ for which I Dalbehera were honoured with the Achyuta Samanta, Founder ‘The am very much thankful to Dr. ‘Kadambini Sahitya Sambardhana’. Kadambini’, Dr. Iti Samanta, Editor Achyuta Samanta, founder ‘The The award and felicitation carries ‘The Kadambini’, Sj. Kedar Prusty Kadambini’ and Dr. Itirani rupees then thousand, shawl and and Sj. Amitav Khillar the two Samanta, Editor ‘The Kadambini’. certificate each. During this occasion the Novel ‘Shakuntala’s Daughter’ by Dr Iti Samanta published by Authors Press was released in the presence of our Hon’ble Guests. Anchoring of this literary festival was done by Sj. Mrunalkanti Nanda & Prachi Mahapatra. Before the start of this lit fest a flute performance was performed by Sj. Tanu Tripathy and his group. Many eminent writers, poets, novelists and editors from the world of Indian literature across the country attend this fest and discuss about various facets of contemporary literature. Anchor: Prachi Mahapatra and Mrunalkanti Nanda 6 Sj. Upendra Prasad Nayak: ‘Kadambini Sampadak Samman 2020’-Recipent

In my literary carrier I have achieved several awards, but receiving ‘Kadambini Sampadak Samman 2020’ is honorary and extraordinary achievement for me. After struggling for last 35 years I had published my book ‘ Shatadru’. Organising the huge literary festival of the state i.e in the presence of famous dignitaries is a very cheerful step taken by Kadambini ‘Kadambini Literary Festival’, media. I am heartly thankful to Dr. Achyuta Samanta, founder ‘The Kadambini’ ‘Patrika Haat’, ‘Kunakuni Mela and Dr. Iti Samanta, Editor ‘The Kadambini’ for presenting me with ‘Kadambini and conferring literary person Sampadak Samman-2020’.

Sj. Priyabrat Das, ‘Kadambini Sahitya Sambardhana 2020’-Receipient

KIIT university is the best educational insitute in providing good education, hospitality, service to mankind and many more ethics. Hosting Kadambini Literary Festival is like icing on the cake. Other literary functions are being conducted in many places but festive feeling is only gained in this literary festival. Congregation of literary people, eminent guests, Patrika haat, felicitations, music, entertainment, fooding under one roof is only possible in Samanta is the live creator of ‘Kadambini’. I am overwhelmed on receiving this Mahotsav. ‘Kadambini’ magazine is the ‘Kadambini Sahitya Sambardhana 2020’ for which I am thankful to Dr. centre point of this festival and Dr. Itirani Achyuta Samanta and Dr. Itirani Samanta.

Flute performance by Sj. Tanu Tripathy and his group 7 Ms. Rajeswari Dalabehera: ‘Kadambini Sahitya Ms. Binodini Devi: ‘Kadambini Sahitya Sambardhana 2020’-Receipient: Sambardhana 2020’-Receipient:

It is the most happiest moment for me to receive the ‘Kadambini Sahitya Sambardhana 2020’. It is my immense pleasure to see and listen to the dignitaries present of the stage. Their speech has fascinated everyone present in the function. I am very much thankful to Dr. Achyuta Samanta and Dr. Iti Samanta for honouring me with this award in this great I am very much thankful to Dr. Achyuta Samanta ‘Kadambini Literary Festival’. and Dr. Iti Samanta for felicitating me with ‘Kadambini Sahitya Sambardhana 2020’. My Sj. Bhupen Mahapatra: ‘Kadambini Sahitya good wishes to both brother, sister and Sambardhana 2020’-Receipient: Kadambini family. God bless you with all happiness and prosperity. I wish grand success to ‘Kadambini Literary festival’.

I am heartly thankful to to Dr. Achyuta Samanta, founder ‘The Kadambini’, Dr. Iti Samanta, Editor ‘The Kadambini’ and Odisha’s premier monthly family magazine ‘The Kadambini’ for felicitating me with ‘Kadambini Sahitya Sambardhana 2020’. From its inception Kadambini has been propagating the empowerment of women as it’s nuclei. Kadambini is the magazine who always speaks about the upliftment, self respect and independence of women and the reason its not only popular in the state but across the globe. The social work done by Dr. Achyuta Samanta founder of KiiT, KISS and Dr. Iti Samanta editor ‘The Kadambini’ is endless. The selfless efforts will be marked as a milestone in history. The development done by Dr. Achyuta Samanta at Kandhamal which is the most under developed district of Odisha is being reflected and seen by every one. 8 Inguaration of ‘Kadambini Patrika Haat KADAMBINI PATRIKA HAAT Kadambini Media believes that magazines are the are organising the Kadambini Patrika Haat in the month conservators of a Nation’s literary and cultural heritage. of January coinciding with the Kadambini Literary With this in view Kadambini Media in the year 2009 Festival. This year more than one thousand magazines launched a unique programme ‘Kadambini Patrika participated in the haat. The success of the haat, where Haat’ (unique & only magazine fair of the state). the editor gets a chance to interact with his readers ‘Kadambini Patrika Haat’ is an innovative concept. The directly has tempted the magazine owners of other idea was to facilitate the exhibition and sale of all the states to participate in it. Their number is also rising magazines of the state whether in print or out of print every year. under one roof. For the first time in the state of Odisha This year on 9 January 2020 the 12th Kadambini almost all magazines of different kinds participated in Patrika Haat was inaugurated by Sj. Salman Khurshid, this function. Magazines published from remote Former Minister of External Affairs (Govt. Of India), villages of Odisha to the branded magazines are Senior Advocate & Writer along with many other witnessed in this mega literary haata. Kadambini made dignitaries. After inauguration all the Hon’ble Guest all the arrangements from providing space and food visited the Patrika Haat. This unique magazine fair of for the participants at free of cost. Pleasantly surprising the state has earned recognition from everybody for everybody the haat become a huge success from related to the literary world and gathers a huge crowd the start itself. It has become an annual event of around seven thousand literary people, artistes, film magazine display and sale. Many books are also makers, intellectuals, journalists, writers, editors, inaugurated in this occasion. ‘The Kadambini’ hosts the publishers, readers, research scholars, panellists etc function and provides free space for stalls. A day long from all over the country. Not only in the state, but exhibition comprising of more than 1000 participants the mega literary event has earned glory in the goes on with enthusiastic feelings of all participants. national level and in the international arena. Year after It is highly appreciated by the illustrious personalities year the participation is increasing and now it has present on the occasion. Then on, year after year we become the ‘Sahitya Kumbha Mela’ of Odisha. 9 Visit of guests to Patrika Haata.

Dr. Iti Samanta, Editor ‘The Kadambini’ with little camps at ‘Kadambini Patrika Haat’

Visit of guests to Patrika Haata. 10 KUNAKUNI MELA ‘The Kunikatha’, a premier monthly monthly family magazine competition. Selected Dance family magazine for the children organises ‘Kunakuni Mela’ groups where: ‘Binapani Kala and teenagers has also created a (Children’s Fair) in state level Niketan’ from Anandpur-Keonjhar, vast space in the hearts of young among the school level students of ‘Thiatric Dance Studio’ from generation. Dr. Iti Samanta is the Odisha. Wherein children’s from Baniapata-Keonjhar, ‘Nrutyashri editor of this children magazine all over Odisha and outside the Odishi Nrutya Parikshan Kendra’ and is published by Kadambini state also participate in this dance from Karanjia-Mayurbhanj, Media. Hence, the Kadambini Lit competition to showcase their ‘Snigdha Dance Group’ from Fest not only entertains elder talents in a group. This year Bhadrak, ‘Creative Kotient Dance people, but it has also a place for ‘Kunakuni Nrutya Pratiyogita’ was Studio’ from Cuttack, ‘Ridhim children and youngsters held from 3 PM to 6 PM on state Cultural Academy’ from Puri, ‘D.A.V entertainment. In the third level basis wherein selected 19 Public School (Nrutayan) from session, ‘The Kunikatha’ a premier groups participated in the Khurda, ‘Black Spider Dance Group’

11 from Khurda, ‘Kalinga English Medium School’ from Kalarabank-Cuttack, ‘B.J.E.M School-2’, ‘Sunil Dance Academy’, ‘Blue Light Dance Studio’, ‘Nrutya Nipurna’, ‘D-Stylo Academy of Dance’, ‘UDRA’, ‘Sai International School’, Jagruti Cultural Academy’, ‘One Step Dance Academy’ and Kalinga Institute of Social Science (KISS) from Bhubaneswar. It was a colourful entertainment dance program performed by the school level students in group. The dancing groups are allowed to perform their talents in the form Classical Dance, Folk Dance and Dance form based on social message. The group performances were so entertaining that the Convention centre was roaring with round of applauses. The premise was fully occupied with the audiences till the end of the programme. The dance performances were judged by a panel of jury members. Juries’ presents were renowned dance guru Dr. Manoj Kumar Behera, renowned odissi dancer and Sangeet Natak Akadeni award winner Ms. Manisha Behera, modern dance guru Sj. Prasant Kumar Bhaina, Dancer Ms. Bhagyashree Sumana Hota, Miss India International (Miss Photogenic) Ms. Santwana B Simran. Sunil Dance Academy from Bhubaneswar grabbed the 1st position. The winner group of ‘Kunakuni Nrutya Pratiyogita’ were rewarded with Rs 25,000 cash, certificate and the Kunikatha magazine. The group that stood 2nd was rewarded with Rs 20,000 cash, certificate and the Kunikatha magazine and the third winner group was rewarded with Rs. 15000 cash, certificate and the Kunikatha magazine. While rest 17 participated groups were rewarded with Rs. 1000 each as consolation prizes, certificate and Kunikatha magazine. The awards were presented by Dr. Achyuta Samanta, Founder ‘The Kadambini’ & ‘The Kunikatha’, Sj. Himansu Sekhar Khatua-MD Kalinga T.V, Dr. Iti Samanta-Editor ‘The Kadambini’ & ‘The Kunikatha’, Ms. Sangita Gosain-Chief Executive, Guru Kelu Charan Mohapatra Odissi Research Centre, Bhubaneswar, Ms. Tripura Mishra- Renowned Actress, Actress Ms. Dibyadisha, Actress Sasmita, Ms. Prakasini Patel-Chairman, D-Blue Light Dance Studio. After that the juries, guests and anchor of the function were felicitated with gifts, shawl and flower bouquets. The ‘Kunakuni Mela’ function was sponsored by Tendem Health Care, D-Blue Light Dance Studio, Olivine International and Smile.

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