Odisha witnessed a vibrant celebration of its literary heritage today as the “Aasa Bahi Tie Kiniba” (Come, Buy a Book) campaign marked the ninth day of the inaugural Odia Pakhya, a two-week festival dedicated to promoting Odia language and culture.
Held from April 1 to April 14, this unique initiative has sparked enthusiasm across the state, with today’s campaign aimed at honoring Odia literary creators and fostering a love for reading.
The “Buy a Book” campaign was dedicated to the state’s literary luminaries, encouraging people to purchase, read, and gift books written by Odia authors. Across Odisha, district collector offices hosted temporary book stalls and exhibitions, drawing crowds of officials, employees, and citizens eager to explore and buy books. District collectors themselves joined the initiative, purchasing books and inspiring others to follow suit.
Colleges across the state organized discussions on Odia literature and the importance of reading, urging students to make books a part of their daily lives. Bookstores, too, buzzed with activity as readers and students thronged to buy books, many gifting them to friends and family. In a modern twist, participants captured selfies with their purchases and shared them on the official Odia Pakhya website (www.odiapakhya.com), amplifying the campaign’s reach.
The initiative has not only boosted book sales but also ignited a renewed interest in Odia literature, particularly among the youth. By promoting reading as a habit and supporting local authors, the campaign has strengthened the bond between creators and readers. Chief Minister Mohan Charan Majhi, along with Deputy Chief Ministers Kanak Vardhan Singh Deo and Pravati Parida, and Minister for Odia Language, Literature, and Culture Suryabanshi Suraj, lauded the campaign, urging all Odias to participate and enrich the state’s literary legacy.
Today’s success underscores Odisha’s commitment to preserving and promoting its cultural and literary heritage. As Odia Pakhya continues, the “Buy a Book” campaign stands as a testament to the power of collective action in nurturing a reading culture and celebrating the written word.
