Poetry, Purpose, and the Power of the Pen Unite Against Child Marriage
Bhubaneswar, 17 December 2025: The 7th Odisha State Book Fair 2025 witnessed a profound convergence of literature, social consciousness, and collective resolve as INKDEW Publications successfully organized a Poetry Meet, Main Discussion Session, and Grand Book Release Programme at the esteemed Poet Ramakanta Rath Stage, Exhibition Ground, Bhubaneswar, on 14th December 2025, beginning at 4:00 PM onwards.
The event emerged as one of the most meaningful and impactful programmes of the book fair, reaffirming the belief that literature is not merely an art form, but a force capable of questioning, healing, and transforming society. Designed with clarity of purpose, the programme was structured into two thoughtfully curated sessions—a Poetry Session celebrating creative voices, followed by a Main Session focused on the urgent social theme of “Child Marriage–Free India.”
Session One: Poetry Session – When Words Became Voices of Conscience
The evening commenced with an engaging and soul-stirring Poetry Session, setting an emotionally resonant and reflective tone for the programme. Poetry, in its purest form, became the medium through which emotions, social concerns, and aspirations flowed freely between poets and audience.
The poetry session was graced by eminent literary and cultural personalities:
Sri Sthita Pattnaik, noted Ollywood director and cultural thinker
Ms. Priyanka Priyadarshini Ray, poet and Founder of PrizmX, the open mic platform by INKDEW
Ms. Ipsita Sarangi, author and writer
Voices of Experience and Vision
Priyanka Priyadarshini Ray, in her address, spoke passionately about the responsibility of the younger generation in shaping a conscious literary future. As the COO of PrizmX, an open mic show conceptualized and run by INKDEW, she highlighted how platforms like PrizmX are nurturing emerging voices and creating safe spaces for expression. She urged the youth to engage more deeply with poetry written for a cause, emphasizing that poetry must not remain limited to romance and personal emotions alone, but must also address social injustices, inequality, and human suffering. Her words inspired young poets in the audience to see poetry as activism through art.
Sri Sthita Pattnaik, sharing his insights from the world of cinema and culture, emphasized the urgent need for strong governmental support in the development of Odia literature and cinema. He stressed that language, literature, and films are the cultural backbone of a society, and without institutional encouragement, many powerful stories remain unheard. He called upon policymakers and cultural bodies to invest more in Odia creative industries so that regional voices gain national and global recognition.
Ms. Ipsita Sarangi added depth to the session through her reflections on writing, creativity, and the evolving role of poets in contemporary society.
Poetry in Its Purest Form
The poetry session featured 12 poets, each reciting original compositions that reflected diverse themes—love, loss, resistance, identity, social awakening, and hope. The audience listened with rapt attention, responding warmly to the honesty and courage embedded in each poem. The session reaffirmed poetry’s timeless ability to connect hearts and provoke thought.
Session Two: Main Session – Literature Takes a Stand for a Child Marriage–Free India
The Main Session of the programme was anchored around the powerful and socially urgent theme: Child Marriage–Free India,
Transforming the literary stage into a platform for social dialogue, the session brought together voices from healthcare, governance, literature, and social activism. The discussion highlighted the harsh realities of child marriage while also offering pathways for resistance, awareness, and empowerment.
Distinguished Guests of the Main Session
1. Dr. Chidatmikaa Khatua
CEO, Sushruta Hospital, Bhubaneswar
Dr. Khatua delivered a deeply moving and data-backed address on the prevalence of child marriage in Koraput and other tribal districts of Odisha. Drawing from her professional experience, she explained how early marriage severely impacts the physical health, mental well-being, and future prospects of young girls. She urged communities, institutions, and individuals to actively fight against child marriage, emphasizing that silence and social acceptance are the greatest enablers of this practice. Her call to action resonated strongly with the audience.
2. Ms. Pritinanda Routray
Corporator
Ms. Routray emphasized that women empowerment is the strongest weapon against child marriage. She spoke about the importance of education, economic independence, and self-confidence for girls, and highlighted the role of local governance in ensuring safety, opportunity, and dignity for women. Her address reinforced the idea that empowering women is not optional—it is foundational to societal progress.
3. Sri Bangali Nanda
Eminent Author and Translator
Sri Bangali Nanda highlighted the transformative power of literature as a social tool. He urged writers, poets, translators, and publishers to create more literary works focused on child marriage, women’s rights, and social justice, so that these issues continue to live in public discourse. He emphasized that stories and poems have the unique power to humanize statistics and awaken empathy.
4. Sri Shastri Bahadur Pradhan
CEO, ITSHA Foundation
Sri Pradhan stressed the importance of consistent grassroots social work in the field of women empowerment. He highlighted the need for long-term engagement with communities, especially in rural and tribal areas, and called for stronger collaboration between NGOs, cultural institutions, and literary platforms. His address reminded the audience that awareness must translate into sustained action.
INKDEW’s Journey and Vision
The programme was gracefully coordinated by Sri Booloo Hota, Chief Advisor, INKDEW Publications, who welcomed the guests, introduced the dignitaries, and presented a detailed report on INKDEW’s journey, initiatives, and future vision. He highlighted INKDEW’s commitment to combining literature with social responsibility, and its steady growth as a platform for authors and changemakers.
Founder’s Address: A Call to Literary Action
The evening reached a defining moment with the address by Dr. Manoj Kishore Nayak, Founder of INKDEW Publications. In his heartfelt vote of thanks, he expressed gratitude to all guests, speakers, poets, authors, organizers, and audience members for making the programme meaningful and impactful.
In a powerful and memorable metaphor, he stated:
“For dignity and respect, we created a bridge across the ocean.
We fought for 18 days in the Mahabharata.
We burnt Troy.
Let this happen again—but this time,
we must fight not with sword and blood,
but with pen and ink.”
His words captured the essence of the event, reinforcing the belief that literature is a peaceful yet powerful weapon against injustice.
Grand Book Release and Author Recognition
A major highlight of the evening was the release of 19 books published by INKDEW Publications, marking a significant milestone for both the authors and the publishing house. The event also witnessed the distribution of publishing certificates to authors, acknowledging their creative contributions and association with INKDEW.
Poetry for the Cause
Adding emotional depth to the main session, two poignant poems on child marriage were recited by:
Ms. Sanghamitra Dubey
Ms. Amrita Dash
Their verses vividly portrayed lost childhoods, silenced dreams, and the pain endured by young girls, leaving a lasting impact on the audience.
About INKDEW Publications
INKDEW Publications is a purpose-driven, contemporary book publishing house offering a wide range of services, including:
Print Books, eBooks, Audiobooks, Author Websites, Mobile Apps for Authors.
INKDEW is also undertaking ambitious global initiatives such as:
Publishing the largest anthology in the world
Launching Project 100, a prestigious initiative to publish 100 selected authors from across the globe
With a strong belief that literature can influence society, INKDEW continues to build bridges between creativity, technology, and social change.
Conclusion
The successful execution of this programme at the 7th Odisha State Book Fair 2025 reaffirmed INKDEW’s role not merely as a publisher, but as a cultural and social movement. The event demonstrated how poetry, discussion, and books can come together to challenge social evils and inspire collective responsibility.
As the evening concluded at the Poet Ramakanta Rath Stage, one message echoed clearly:
Change begins with awareness.
Awareness begins with words.
And words, when guided by purpose, can change the world.
Issued by:
INKDEW Publications, Bhubaneswar
