The prestigious Kalinga Literary Festival (KLF) in association with Penguin Random House India witnessed the grand launch of the much-anticipated book, “A Various World: People, Places, Perspectives” by Ashok Kumar Bal, today.
The event, held at Orchid, Mayfair Lagoon, Bhubaneswar, drew an extraordinary gathering of literary luminaries, dignitaries, and avid readers.
The book was formally unveiled by Shri Kanak Vardhan Singh Deo, Deputy Chief Minister of Odisha, along with Padma Vibhushan Shri Sudershan Sahoo. The launch event was also graced by Rashmi Ranjan Parida, the Founder of KLF, esteemed literary figures S N Mishra and Siba Swain, and several distinguished guests.
The ceremony commenced with the elegant lighting of the ceremonial lamp, symbolizing the illumination of knowledge. The guests were honored with bouquets and Uttariya, followed by the formal unveiling of the book, marking a significant milestone in contemporary Indian literature.
“A Various World” takes readers on a profound journey through diverse human experiences, offering compelling narratives of people, places, and perspectives. Priced at ₹400, the book generated enthusiastic interest among attendees, who eagerly purchased copies at the venue.
In his address, author Ashok Kumar Bal shared insights into his creative process and the inspiration behind the book, describing it as a tribute to the multitude of perspectives that shape our world. Notable speakers S N Mishra and Siba Swain provided thought-provoking reflections on the book’s relevance in contemporary literature.
In a heartfelt moment, individuals who played key roles in the book’s narrative, including Mr. Samal, Dr. Dash, Mrs. Mamata Misra, Mahimohan Tripathy, Prabir Patnaik, and Gokuli, were honored with bouquets and shared their perspectives.
Delivering the keynote address, Chief Guest Shri Kanak Vardhan Singh Deo emphasized the importance of storytelling in shaping cultural narratives. He remarked, “After exploring the fascinating processes of historical change in his acclaimed book Gajapati: A King Without a Kingdom,’ Ashok Bal turns his attention to the intimate world of the living present in ‘A Various World.’ Here, people and places come vividly to life through richly detailed accounts. Brilliantly portrayed characters and incidents reveal the unceasing wonder of ordinariness. I found the book compellingly readable, and I am sure readers will find it equally unputdownable.”
The event concluded with an eloquent vote of thanks by Rashmi Ranjan Parida, acknowledging the collective effort that brought this significant work to life.
The launch of “A Various World” stands as a testament to the power of literature in capturing the human experience, promising a lasting impact on readers across generations.
