Bhubaneswar: The third day of the eagerly awaited Kalinga Literary Festival (KLF) drew to a close with a vibrant celebration of literature, cinema, and music. Literary enthusiasts and cinephiles came together for engaging sessions, insightful discussions, and the honoring of literary luminaries.
Renowned Indian film director Rahul Rawail graced the festival with two captivating sessions, delving into the legacy of the iconic Raj Kapoor. Rawail explored Kapoor’s idiosyncrasies, underrated movies, and his lasting impact on the film industry, sharing personal anecdotes and insights that left a lasting impression on the audience.
Kanishka Gupta, in a session on Laxmi Murdeshwar Puri’s debut novel, ‘Swallowing the Sun,’ provided a deep dive into the book’s themes and influences. The contemporary fiction weaved an epic love story with social and political narratives, resonating with India’s cultural evolution.
Another session, moderated by Prabhat Ranjan, explored experimentation in Hindi literature, encouraging emerging writers to embrace change and experimentation. Ashwani Kumar led a discussion on Chandan Gowda’s book, ‘Another India,’ delving into cultural anthropology, caste dynamics, and modernity.
In a heartfelt discussion, prominent Odia writers discussed the genesis of ‘Scent of Rain,’ an anthology of poems in memory of the legendary Jayanta Mahapatra, edited by Ashwani Kumar. The spirit of the festival soared with the iconic Usha Uthup, who reflected on her remarkable journey in the music industry.
Founder and Director of Kalinga Literary Festival, Rashmi Ranjan Parida, expressed, “The Kalinga Literary Festival is not just an event; it’s a celebration of the boundless potential of words to inspire, provoke, and unite humanity.”
Later in the evening, legendary singer Usha Uthup was honoured with the National Living Legend Award 2024, for her remarkable impact on the world of music. While, Lakshmi Murdeshwar Puri was honoured with Kalinga Literary Award 2024 for outstanding contributions to literature.
Various authors recognized for outstanding contributions across different genres.
As the curtains closed on KLF 2024, it left behind a legacy of thought-provoking discussions and celebrated contributions to the world of arts and letters
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