Odisha State Book Festival 2025 Opens, CM Majhi Calls for Revival of Reading Culture and Strengthening of Odia Language

Bhubaneswar: Reaffirming Odisha’s resolve to nurture its linguistic and literary heritage, Chief Minister Mohan Charan Majhi on Saturday inaugurated the 7th Odisha State Book Festival–2025 at the Unit-3 Exhibition Ground. The 12-day literary festival, showcasing Odia language and culture on a grand scale, will continue till December 17.

Addressing the inaugural ceremony, the Chief Minister highlighted the ancient roots of the Odia language, citing historic inscriptions such as the 1st century BCE Hati Gumpha edict, the Dhauli and Jaugada inscriptions of the 3rd century, and invaluable palm-leaf manuscripts and copper plates. He said the State government considers it a responsibility to protect, promote and expand the reach of Odia literature for future generations.

The festival features 550 stalls along with special pavilions dedicated to eminent personalities of Odia literature and culture. After formally inaugurating the event, Majhi toured several stalls, purchased books and paid floral tributes at the pavilion honouring literary stalwarts.

Sharing his personal connection with books, the Chief Minister said he owns a collection of nearly 5,000 to 6,000 books, maintained like a personal library. He urged children and young readers to develop the habit of reading, stating that books offer insights into many unsung heroes and lesser-known narratives of Odisha’s history.

Referring to Jnanpith laureate Dr. Pratibha Ray’s acclaimed novel Yajnaseni, Majhi announced a personal commitment to gift books instead of conventional presents. “Flowers fade in a day, but a book awakens thought every day. If we all begin gifting books, readership will grow, writers will be encouraged, and the Odia language will flourish,” he said, appealing to the public to adopt the practice.

Odia Language, Literature & Culture Minister Suryabanshi Suraj described books as sacred repositories of knowledge, urging children to reduce screen time and reconnect with reading. Ekamra-Bhubaneswar MLA Babu Singh said the Odisha State Book Festival has evolved from a book fair into a vibrant cultural movement due to consistent support from the State government.

Addressing the gathering, Jnanpith Award winner Dr. Pratibha Ray said that fire and language are the two greatest discoveries in human history. “Culture is built on books, knowledge and conscience. A book is our truest companion—it enlightens the inner self,” she said, while calling upon the youth to celebrate Valentine’s Day as ‘Book Day’. She also lauded the transformation of the Odisha State Book Festival into one of the largest book fairs in India within a short span.

Several new literary works were launched during the inaugural programme, including Operation Sindoor by Col. Sarat Mahapatra, De by Dr. Panchanan Nayak, Murchhita Moksha by Badri Mahapatra, Jhara Shravana by Bimala Singh, Odia Shishu Sahitya Kichhi Paryalochana by Dash Benhur, along with new publications from Odia Bhasha Pratisthan and Odisha Sahitya Akademi.