MLA Subasini Jena Raises Assembly Question on Book Fair in Balasore

Balasore, 21/2(Krushna Kumar Mohanty) The demand for a dedicated full-fledged annual book fair in Balasore has intensified after MLA Subasini Jena raised a question in the State Assembly regarding the government’s plan to organize such an event in the district.

Highlighting Balasore’s historic role in the Odia language movement and its rich literary heritage, the MLA sought clarification on whether any concrete proposal had been prepared to conduct an annual book fair with government support.

In reply, the concerned Minister stated that financial assistance is provided by the department based on proposals submitted by district authorities for organizing book fairs through the district administration.

However, several prominent writers and intellectuals have expressed dissatisfaction with the response, stating that no independent and comprehensive book fair has yet been organized in Balasore under proper administrative patronage. They pointed out that a recent district-level fair held at the Police Line Ground primarily showcased textiles, food items, handicrafts and other commercial products, with only a single stall allotted for books. According to them, this cannot be considered a full-fledged book fair.

Balasore is widely regarded as a significant centre in the evolution of modern Odia literature. It is associated with pioneers such as Radhanath Ray and Fakir Mohan Senapati, who played crucial roles in shaping Odia poetry, fiction and the historic movement to protect the Odia language during colonial rule. The district’s contribution to the formation of Odisha as a separate linguistic province in 1936 remains a matter of cultural pride.

Eminent writers including Uday Narayan Das, Dr. Radha Ranjan Pattanayak, Krushna Kumar Mohanty and many others have now demanded a fresh and transparent investigation into the administrative handling of the issue. They have urged the Culture Department to examine the matter thoroughly and take necessary steps to ensure that Balasore receives a properly organized annual book fair befitting its literary legacy.

The writers emphasized that the issue concerns the cultural dignity of the district and called for collective efforts to promote and strengthen Odia language and literature in the region.