Harihara Nanda was a Transparent Spokesperson of National Consciousness and a Guiding Force
* Oil Portrait of Harihara Nanda Unveiled by Utkal Sahitya Samaj
Baleswar, 11 June (Krushna Kumar Mohanty) – In a grand and solemn ceremony held at the historic Shatabdi Bhavan in Cuttack, the Utkal Sahitya Samaj, Odisha’s oldest literary and cultural institution, unveiled an oil portrait of the eminent scholar, nationalist organiser, and literary devotee, Harihara Nanda.
Presided over by Dr. Gobinda Chandra Chand, President of Utkal Sahitya Samaj, the event was graced by Surjya Banshi Suraj, Minister of Odia Language, Literature and Culture, Higher Education, and Youth Services & Sports, Government of Odisha. In his address, the Minister hailed Harihara Nanda’s lifelong dedication to the cause of national unity and harmony as exemplary and inspiring.
Baleswar MP Pratap Chandra Sarangi, attending as a distinguished guest, reflected on Nanda’s literary pursuits, his organisational acumen, unwavering commitment to duty, and relentless service to the nation.
Renowned orator, former editor of Rashtradeepa, and the chief speaker of the evening, Jagabandhu Mishra, described Nanda as an eloquent thinker, erudite scholar, visionary nationalist, and a profound creator of intellectual and patriotic discourse.
The event featured a soulful rendition of Harihara Nanda’s poems by Subarnarekha Pradhan. The oil portrait, painted by artist Jayashankar Maharana, was formally presented to MP Pratap Sarangi.
Vice President Jibananda Adhikari extended the invitation to guests, while Dr. Sunamani Raut, the organising secretary, read out the commemorative note on behalf of Utkal Sahitya Samaj. General Secretary Prof. Aditya Pratap Dhal delivered the opening remarks. Radhashyam Raul, a member of the executive committee, proposed the vote of thanks. The program was smoothly anchored by Prajna Parimita Acharya.
Among the attendees were members of Harihara Nanda’s family, friends, admirers, and well-wishers—many of whom were inspired by his ideals and contributions. The audience included literary practitioners, cultural enthusiasts, intellectuals, and respected citizens.
Other notable attendees included Brahmananda Bishwal (Library Editor, Utkal Sahitya Samaj), Executive Committee Members Shashikanta Raut, Dillip Das, Muralidhar Satapathy, Tapan Kumar Swain, and Saroj Kumar Samal, among others.
