The 54th Foundation Day of Pragativadi, celebrated on May 1, reaffirmed literature’s role as a catalyst for societal change.
Held at the Pragativadi premises, the event brought together poets, writers, journalists, and literary figures from across Odisha, fostering discussions on the transformative power of literature.
Distinguished speakers emphasised that true literary success lies in influencing society and steering it towards progress. From insightful discussions to poetry readings and book releases, the grand celebration honoured the literary heritage that continues to shape minds and inspire change.
Literature always brings change to society and serves as a guiding force. The works created by writers and poets act like a compass for society. When a piece of writing influences society, it is considered a sign of literary success.
Many prominent personalities shared these views at the Saraswat Samaroh, organised by the foundation day of ‘Pragativadi’ on May 1st. The foundation day ceremony took place on Thursday at the head office of Pragativadi, featuring a variety of programs throughout the day.
In the morning, representatives of Pragativadi from all over Odisha were welcomed. The afternoon included a poetry reading festival, literary discussions, a book release, and a Saraswat Samvardhana ceremony. Literary figures, journalists, poets, writers, distributors, and readers from all corners of the state participated in the events.
Every year on May 1, Pragativadi celebrates its foundation day, dedicating this occasion to poets, writers, distributors, readers, and journalists. This year’s grand celebration was inaugurated by Guruma Dr. Arundhati Devi, the Director of the Sobhaniya Movement and an esteemed social worker. MLA Dr. Arun Kumar Sahoo, graced as the Chief Speaker, while Secretary of the Odisha Sahitya Akademy, Chandrasekhar Hota, and fiction writer and translator Radhu Mishra, along with other,s as distinguished guests. Professor Biswaranjan, an educator and columnist, presided over the event.
During the session, Dr. Arundhati Devi emphasised the importance of fostering good individuals in society. She stated that it is everyone’s responsibility to improve themselves and help others grow, as societal change comes through collective efforts. She praised Pragativadi’s founder, Pradyumna Bal, as an ideal person with qualities such as truth, justice, values, and fearlessness, highlighting the need for good people in society. She urged Pragativadi to continue its commendable work.
Dr. Arun Sahoo, the chief speaker, expressed that only writers have the power to effect change in society. He remarked that writing, which influences society, is the highest form of art. Dr. Sahoo emphasised that achieving literary success involves bringing about change or influencing society through writing. He indicated the necessity of a platform like Pragativadi in today’s context, noting that people have high expectations from newspapers like it.
While discussing the state of literature and media, he pointed out the current crisis facing these two influential media. He noted that as individuals become channels for societal expression, it increases our collective responsibility to enhance society. Today’s writers and poets bear a significant responsibility to guide the country along the right path. Dr. Sahoo concluded by stating that since Pragativadi was founded on progressive ideology, it remains committed to advancing the cause of truth and fearlessness in society.
The Hindi version of ‘Paribhasha,’ a collection of poems by Pradyumna Bal, was released during the ceremony. The translator of Paribhasha, Shri Radhu Mishra, evaluated Pradyuman Bal’s poems and highlighted ‘Rickshaw Wala’ as the standout piece. He noted that Pradyumna Bal, despite being a writer, embodies sensitivity, humanity, rebellion, revolution, and love in his work. According to him, each poem, which reflects society and has the power to influence it, is a unique representation of Pradyumna Bal’s creative essence.
In his address, Professor Biswaranjan elaborated on Pragativadi and Pradyumna Bal. He asserted that the clarity, distance, and fearlessness evident in Pradyumna Bal’s life are reflected in his writings. He praised the Pragativadi newspaper for its commitment to an unwavering path and ideology, stating that organising a festival on its foundation day to unite poets, writers, literary figures, journalists, distributors, and readers is commendable. He expressed the need to use the pen to guide society toward a better future.
Pragativadi Chairperson Smt. Saswati Bal also attended the event and emphasised the importance of upholding the goals for which Pragativadi was established.
Dinbandhu Dehuri, a newspaper distributor from the Cuttack Badambadi bus stand, was honoured as the chief guest. He has been distributing newspapers continuously for 58 years and was recognised for his dedication.
Executive Editor of Pragativadi, Birupakshya Tripathy, delivered the welcome address, and every writer, journalist, poet, and fiction writer associated with Pragativadi was honoured during the ceremony. Additionally, Pragativadi’s Annual Special Edition was launched on this occasion.
