The 150th birth anniversary celebrations of Pallikabi Nanda Kishore Bal began with grandeur at the Golden Jubilee ground in Pragativadi premises.
The committee unveiled the official logo and announced year-long programs stretching from Kusupur to Santiniketan.
Dr Bijayananda Singh presided over the inaugural ceremony as Executive Chairman of the Nanda Kishore 150 Committee. Eminent poet Phani Mohanty attended as the chief guest and highlighted Bal’s unique ability to blend rustic language with modern expression. He described Bal as a “soil-minded poet” who transformed dreams into words for readers.
Professor Manindra Kumar Meher served as the keynote speaker and emphasised Bal’s pioneering role in introducing rural imagery into Odia literature. He noted that Bal’s verses brought village fields, farmers, and changing seasons into mainstream literary discourse. He urged the government to declare Bal’s Kusupur residence a national memorial and proposed that Odisha Sahitya Akademi celebrate the anniversary statewide.
Historian Dr Bhagabat Shukla praised Bal for capturing life’s subtle experiences in literature. Columnist Dhaneswar Sahu and social activist Braja Kishore Nanda described the year-long celebration as a cultural duty of the Odia community.
Renowned filmmaker Ghanashyam Mahapatra, who adapted Bal’s novel ‘Kanakalata’ into cinema, joined as a distinguished guest. Committee convener Birupakshya Tripathy delivered the welcome address, while author Padmalaya Samal’s book ‘Bhala loka’ was released during the event.
Former Governor Biswa Bhusan Harichandan to Lead Nanda Kishore Bal 150 Committee
The Nandakishore Bal 150th Anniversary Committee unanimously appointed Biswa Bhusan Harichandan, former Governor of Andhra Pradesh and Chhattisgarh, as its President.
The committee entrusted him with the responsibility of guiding year-long celebrations honouring the legacy of Pallikabi Nanda Kishore Bal.
Alongside this appointment, the committee named Dr Bijayananda Singh, a distinguished litterateur, as Executive Chairman. Veteran journalist Birupakshya Tripathy will serve as Convener, ensuring smooth coordination of programs and outreach.
In addition, Sekh Masud Ali, Chief Editor of Agami Shatabdi magazine, will act as Editor for the committee. His role will focus on documenting and promoting the initiatives planned for the anniversary year.
The celebration honours Nanda Kishore Bal’s contribution to Odia literature and his role as a poet of rural life. His legacy continues to inspire generations and enrich cultural identity.
READ IN E-PAPER: https://epaper.pragativadi.com/m/307956/6949b1f3cea85
