Poet Brajanath Rath’s 91st Birth Anniversary and 19th Annual Festival of Bishwatara Research Library Observed

Balasore, Jan 12 (Krushna Kumar Mohanty): The 91st birth anniversary of the renowned poet Dr. Brajanath Rath, along with the 19th annual festival of Odisha’s unique Bishwatara Research Library founded by him, was observed at the poet’s residence, Brajabhumi.

At 10 a.m., under the coordination of poet Dr. Kalikingar Dash, poets from Balasore recited selected poems from Dr. Brajanath Rath’s timeless works and paid floral tributes. At 11 a.m., a formal ceremony was held under the aegis of the Brajanath Rath Foundation Trust. The programme was presided over by noted researcher Dr. Nibedita Mohanty, with eminent researcher and writer Srikanta Charan Patra attending as chief guest. The event was organised on behalf of the Trust by its chief trustee, Pushpalata Devi.

The programme began with a welcome song composed by Manaswini Devi and rendered by Bhaniman Rath. Engineer Hrushikesh Sahu conducted the stage proceedings, while Dr. Kalikinkar Dash delivered the welcome address and introduced the guests.

On the occasion, the third year, the second issue of the quarterly literary magazine 'Swapnadeep' was released. Along with it, Dr. Kalikinkar Dash’s seventh short story collection 'Bojha Bahakamane' and his fourth children’s poetry collection 'Mamatāre Bandhā Sārā Dunia' were formally unveiled by the guests.

This year’s 'Brajanath Rath Saraswat Samman' was conferred on eminent writer Dr. Prafulla Kumar Tripathy. The Brajanath Rath Smruti Samman was awarded to noted poet Dr. Basudev Sunani, while the Brajanath Rath Smruti Felicitation was presented to distinguished Bengali writer and translator Kalipada Pradhan. The Brajanath Rath Felicitation was also bestowed upon Laxman Chandra Bardhan, a long-time associate of the poet’s Bishwashree Press. The honours were presented by chief guest Dr. Srikanta Charan Patra, presiding guest Dr. Nibedita Mohanty, and chief trustee Pushpalata Devi.
Citation readings were presented by Anita Rath, Anusuya Rath, Dr. Mrutyunjaya Mishra, and Manaswini Devi. The awardees received citations, honoraria, and ceremonial shawls.
Responding on behalf of the awardees, Dr. Prafulla Kumar Tripathy described Brajanath Rath as a timeless creator in Odia literature. Dr. Basudev Sunani, Kalipada Pradhan, and Laxman Chandra Bardhan remarked that Brajanath Rath’s writings embody truth, self-respect, and inspiration. Chief guest Dr. Srikanta Charan Patra said that Brajanath Rath was his guide and source of inspiration. Presiding guest Dr. Nibedita Mohanty stated that, just as Fakir Mohan’s Shantikanan is sacred, Brajanath Rath’s Brajabhumi is a place of reverence for her. By establishing the Bishwatara Odia Research Library, the poet created a lasting landmark in the world of Odia literature.

The programme concluded with a vote of thanks proposed by the poet’s younger son, Brahmanath Rath.