Bhubaneswar: It was an evening that will certainly be etched in the memories of those who were in attendance.
Present among the attendees, eminent poet and lyricist Mohit Chakraborty said, “Earlier, I knew about music therapy but only came to know about ‘literature therapy’ this evening after poet Sandipta’s recitation made his sick mother feel better at the event. In fact, the venue created the ambience of West Bengal’s Shanti Niketan here in Bhubaneswar.”
The occasion was the fourth session of Coffee, Katha O Kabita, a unique cocktail of poetry, storytelling, music and standup comedy, organised by Kalinga Bhasha Muktamanch (KBM) here on Kalabhoomi premises, Saturday evening. Apart from Chakraborty, others who attended the five-hour event as guests included poet and author Saroj Bal, storyteller Saqti Mohanty and poet-columnist Pabitra Mohan Kar.
“It was a rare experience to be part of such a youth-led movement to revive Odia pride through poetry and music. I was amazed at the incredible organising capability of these youths who are on a mission,” shared Kar.
Young novelist and filmmaker Tapas Rout said that he has seen quite a few good orators at literary events but not too many good anchors. “The works of Ansuman Sahoo, Srisikta Suvadarsini and Biswakeshan Dash who conducted the event, convinced me that literature not only creates good poets and authors, it also makes engaging anchors,” added Rout.
To make the occasion special, the viewers were served authentic food of Odisha like Chhenapoda, Rasabali, Dahi Lassi and Tea. For that, Muktamanch charged a token amount of Rs. 74.
KBM, a group of youths from various professions, aims to popularise Odia literature among the upcoming generation through such events.
The key members of the group include Bodhisatwa Maharana, Satya Shiba Sundar Das, Sumit Panda, Shrisikta Shuvadarshini Nayak, Abinash Jena, Rupesh Sahu, Biswakeshan Dash, and Subrat Senapati.
BIJAY MANDAL, OP