Nayagarh: (Report- Sanatan Mahakud): The town of Nayagarh recently held a special event to honor the 132nd birth anniversary of the esteemed scholar and literary figure, Pandit Binayak Mishra. A man who dedicated his entire life to the study and research of Odia language, literature, and culture, his legacy continues to inspire generations.
Organised by the Odisha Sahitya Akademi with support from the local weekly newspaper Tathastu, the ceremony took place in the new hall of the Nayagarh Panchayat Samiti. The event celebrated Mishra's extraordinary life, which was entirely devoted to academic pursuit. Despite facing significant social, economic, and personal hardships, he never wavered from his chosen path of literary research. He considered his scholarly work a lifelong mission, refusing to let any obstacle divert his focus.
His academic journey was remarkable. Although his formal education only extended to the seventh grade, his immense and self-acquired knowledge was so profound that he earned a position as a lecturer at the University of Calcutta. However, he channeled his entire salary into buying books and funding his research projects. This unwavering commitment to scholarship, while admirable, meant he faced considerable difficulties in his later years, even struggling to afford basic necessities and medicine. A man of immense pride, he never preferred to ask anyone for help.
The speakers at the event highlighted his invaluable contributions to Odia literature. They cited his seminal works, including Odia Bhashara Itihas (History of the Odia Language), Odia Sahitya Itihas (1929), Adhunika Odia Sahityara Itihas (1968), and his English publications like Dynasties of Medieval Orissa and Indian Culture and Cult of Jagannath, as foundational texts that remain essential for any student of Odia culture.
The ceremony was presided over by noted writer Basirin Bibi. Dr. Arun Kumar Sahu, the MLA of Nayagarh, attended as the chief guest. Other distinguished guests included Professor Mohammad Omar Mallik, educationist and eloquent speaker Ashok Kumar Nayak, and author Hadibandhu Mahakud, all of whom spoke about Mishra's life and scholarly work.
A key feature of the event was the launch of two new books: Suryodayara Pathe by Basirin Bibi and Kabitara Paribhasha by Godabarish Mishra. Furthermore, the prestigious Pandit Binayak Mishra Sahitya Samman for the current year was awarded to the multi-talented poet, essayist, columnist, and editor, Satrujit.
The celebration also focused on encouraging young talent. Over a hundred school and college students participated in speech, general knowledge, and poetry writing competitions held in honor of the anniversary, and the winners received awards. In a proud moment for the district, Biswa Bijaita Mahanti, who secured first place in the state-level junior oratory competition held by the Odisha Sahitya Akademi, was also felicitated.
The program began with a welcome address by Sarat Chandra Acharya, the editor of Tathastu. A particularly insightful segment was a speech by Dr. Devadatta Divyarajan Mishra, a descendant of Binayak Mishra, who shed light on some less-discussed aspects of the scholar's life. The event also featured a poetic gathering where twenty invited poets recited their work, coordinated by Nilima Nandi, Harapriya Dwivedi, and Dillip Kumar Sahu, and reviewed by critics Geetanjali Mahapatra and Sheikh Abdul Khalik.
The event concluded with a vote of thanks proposed by Gokul Kumar Sadangi, marking a fitting tribute to a man whose work remains the bedrock of Odia cultural studies.
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