State-Level Tribute to Storyteller Kan-hei-lal Das on His 78th Birth Anniversary: Saroj Bala conferred with ‘Kanhei Katha Samman’

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Balasore, 26/6 (Krushna Kumar Mohanty) – Despite a tragically brief life, Kan-hei-lal Das left an indelible mark on Odia literature. His 78th birth anniversary was commemorated in a state-level event jointly organized by the Odisha Sahitya Akademi and the Kan-hei-lal Das Smruti Sansad, held on the evening of June 25 at Geetagovinda Bhavan, Bhubaneswar.

In his welcome address, Odisha Sahitya Akademi Secretary Chandrasekhar Hota remarked that Kan-hei-lal often referred to himself as a “dream emperor.” A rare literary talent with immense creative potential, he bid farewell to the world at just 28, leaving a legacy that continues to inspire.

Veteran litterateur Shantanu Kumar Acharya, who graced the occasion as the Chief Guest, reflected on their age difference—he was born in 1933, while Kanhei was born in 1947. As someone born after independence, Kanhei had a distinctive worldview that was evident in his stories. Acharya described him as a trailblazer of his time.

Delivering the keynote address, Ajay Swain recounted intimate memories of Kanhei’s literary life, noting that he faced considerable personal pain and hardship in his final days. Yet, with unwavering courage, he charted a new course for the Odia short story, though he departed with many dreams unfulfilled.

Noted short story writer and Bargarh MLA Gautambuddha Das shared how Kanhei's writings inspired him since childhood. Sadly, not a single book of Kanhei’s was published during his lifetime—his works only appeared in magazines and journals.

Poet Aparna Mohanty added that Kanhei once confessed that literature had been his only escape from immense suffering.

On this solemn occasion, young fiction writer Saroj Bala was honored with the ‘Kanhei Katha Puraskar’ for her contribution to short fiction. The award was presented under the auspices of the Kanhei Smruti Sansad, presided over by its Chairman Subash Chandra Patra. Editor Utkal Mohanty delivered the editorial address.

The event began with Sanjay Kumar Chualsingh, Joint Secretary of the Sahitya Akademi, inviting guests to the dais and introducing them. Krushna Kumar Mohanty, Working President of the Smruti Sansad, read the official citation, during which awardee Saroj Bala acknowledged that she had drawn deep inspiration from Kanhei's stories.

Sanjay Kumar Chualsingh also conducted the entire event and concluded with a vote of thanks. The gathering saw the presence of many eminent writers, journalists, intellectuals, and admirers of Kanhei from across the city.