Bhubaneswar, Sept 6 (UNI) Odisha Chief Minister Mohan Charan Majhi today said that literature is not merely a creative expression but a powerful instrument of social change.
Inaugurating the literary festival organized by The New Indian Express here, Majhi emphasized that literature created for the exploited, deprived, and neglected sections of society has always played a crucial role in driving social transformation.
He noted that several writers and literary figures have left a lasting impact on contemporary social issues both before and after Independence.
Citing examples, Majhi said poet Fakir Mohan Senapati’s Rebati powerfully advocated girls’ right to education, while his Chha Mana Atha Guntha highlighted the struggles of landless farmers.
Similarly, Pratibha Ray’s Yagnaseni made a strong case for women’s rights in the modern era, thereby contributing to the creation of a new social order.
The Chief Minister described Odia as one of the most ancient and widespread languages of the Indian Aryan branch of the Indo-European language family.
He added that efforts are being made at all levels to promote the Odia language as a medium of knowledge, ensuring its prosperity and preservation.
Citing historical evidence, Majhi referred to the Kharavela Elephant Cave inscriptions of the 1st century BC, the Dhauli inscriptions of the 3rd century AD, the Jaugada Buddhist temple records, copper plates, manuscripts, and other ancient documents, which all testify to the antiquity of the Odia language.
He pointed out that the Odia script, with a history of about 3,000 years, originated from the Brahmi script. The language, he said, has been enriched and influenced by various regional and tribal languages.
Majhi lauded The New Indian Express literary festival, calling it a vibrant platform for writers, literary figures, and enthusiasts to exchange ideas and knowledge about language and literature.
“Literature is the mirror of society. It reflects social life, individual character, and systems. A true literary personality is the unacknowledged legislator of society, for he leads reform, correction, qualitative change, and the establishment of humanity,” he remarked.
The Chief Minister observed that India is currently undergoing an era of rapid transformation, particularly in the fields of economy and technology, which will inevitably reshape social life.
“Many changes are beyond our imagination, but these will surely find reflection in literature. Amid all changes, our originality must always be preserved,” he said, urging literary figures to remain open to new directions while continuing their efforts to strengthen and expand Odia language and literature.
He further said that literary festivals offer opportunities for writers of diverse languages across the country to share ideas, collaborate, and inspire new creative works.
“I hope such festivals will inspire us all and contribute to the overall growth and triumph of literature,” Majhi concluded.
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