Bhubaneswar: The profound legacy of Bharat Ratna Atal Bihari Vajpayee, a colossus of Indian statesmanship and a master of the written word, was celebrated with lyrical fervor at a state-level poetry recitation festival.
Titled Pujya Atal: Shatabdi’s Hundredths, the event served as a luminous tribute to the former Prime Minister’s birth anniversary, weaving together his political triumphs and his enduring literary contributions.
Department of Odia Language, Literature and Culture organized the unique poetry recital ceremony monitored by Dr.Bijay Ketan Upadhyay, Secretary Odia Language, Literature and Culture.
The inaugural session was graced by Shri Suryabansi Suraj, Minister of Odia Language, Literature and Culture, who attended as the Chief Guest. In his address, the Minister emphasized the rare synthesis of power and poetry found in Vajpayee’s life, noting how his vision continues to inspire the youth of the nation.
Dr. Bijaya Ketan Upadhyay, Secretary of the Department of Odia Language, Literature and Culture and an esteemed literary figure himself, provided a warm welcome to the assembly. He spoke eloquently of Vajpayeeji’s mastery over language, describing him as a leader who could move mountains with the grace of his verses.
Adding a layer of deep intellectual reflection to the event, the Guest of Honor, Dr. Haraprasad Das—a renowned poet, literary critic, and administrator—spoke at length about the multifaceted personality of Atalji. Dr. Das explored the intrinsic link between Vajpayee’s political conviction and his creative output.
He observed that for Atalji, poetry was not merely a medium of expression but a tool for national awakening. Dr. Das highlighted how the late Prime Minister’s verses reflected the pulse of the common man while maintaining a high classical standard, making him a bridge between the masses and the intelligentsia. He further noted that Vajpayee’s ability to remain a sensitive poet while navigating the complexities of statecraft remains an unparalleled feat in modern Indian history.
The heart of the festival beat through the voices of numerous poets who had traveled from every corner of Odisha. Their recitations acted as a bridge between the past and present, reflecting on Vajpayee’s role as a symbol of unwavering honesty and disciplined labor. Speakers throughout the day noted that every word uttered by the late Prime Minister served as a guardian of India’s cultural and spiritual traditions.
A significant highlight of the gathering was the vibrant presence of new literary voices. These aspiring poets were encouraged to view Vajpayee not just as a historical figure, but as an eternal reservoir of knowledge and a beacon of integrity.
The hall, filled with scholars, journalists, and cultural dignitaries, resonated with a shared sense of purpose in keeping the flame of classical and patriotic poetry alive. As the verses flowed, the event successfully transformed into a living testament to a leader whose soul remained that of a poet, even amidst the complexities of national governance.