The book fair in Cuttack is creating a huge literary buzz. On the third evening of the Cuttack Sahitya Sarovar — organised for the first time by the Cuttack Municipal Corporation (CMC) — thousands of readers descended on the venue, resulting in an unprecedented crowd.
A special meeting was held during the third evening, with distinguished guests including Excise Commissioner P. Anvesha Reddy, Cuttack ACP Ananya Awasthi, senior writer and playwright Dr Bijay Mall, and noted storyteller and translator Prof. Jatin Nayak.
Speaking on the occasion, P. Anvesha Reddy called upon parents to encourage children to read physical books in the mobile-phone era. “If children develop the habit of reading at least 10 pages of any book every day, it will prove highly beneficial for their future,” she said.
Dr. Bijay Mall praised Cuttack’s literary legacy. “This land is the soil of literature. The banks of the Mahanadi and Kathajodi are beautiful places for literary creation. The Municipal Corporation’s initiative on the banks of the Mahanadi is highly welcome,” he remarked.
Prof. Jatin Nayak described Cuttack as “distinct and unparalleled across the country because of its unique identity.”
In her concluding address, CMC Commissioner Kirandeep Kaur Sahota expressed gratitude and urged everyone to visit the book fair and make reading a daily habit. “Students, in particular, can learn a great deal from such events,” she added.
Earlier, on behalf of Bakul Foundation, storyteller Tapaswini Panda entertained children with the popular “Chakulia Panda” tale. The evening concluded with a vibrant cultural programme.
The book fair will continue till March 29. In a unique initiative, the CMC is offering a free medicinal plant with the purchase of books worth Rs 999. Book lovers can also donate books at Stall No. 43; all donated books will be added to the central library collection.
