New Delhi: The recently concluded 10th Chandrabhaga Poetry Festival at Konark, Odisha, organized by Centurion University, paid a poignant tribute to the late Jayanta Mohapatra, an iconic figure in Indian English poetry. The festival, a collaborative effort with the Institute of Knowledge Societies and Indian Novels Collective, celebrated Mohapatra’s contributions and featured luminaries such as Dr. Debi Prasanna Pattanayak and Centurion University Vice Chancellor Dr. Supriya Pattanayak.

The two-day event showcased recitals of Mohapatra’s verses, emphasizing his Padma Shri legacy and historic Sahitya Akademi award for English poetry. Over 60 poets from Odisha, West Bengal, and Sweden captivated the audience with their diverse poetic expressions. Notably, Chandrabhaga Volume No 20, edited by Jayanta Mohapatra, was unveiled during the festival.

Prof Supriya Pattanayak, Vice Chancellor of Centurion University, emphasized the festival’s role in fostering a collaborative culture among poets globally. “While academic excellence is what everyone should aim for, it is equally important to remain connected to our roots and cultural richness. The Chandrabhaga Poetry Festival has for the past decade been fostering a collaborative culture among poets from around the world and we are glad to be an active participant in this positive, harmonious annual event” she said.

The event drew distinguished personalities like artist Jatin Das and scholars Prof Manoranjan Mohanty, Prof Savita Singh, Prof Ashutosh Parida, and Prof Chandrabhanu Pattanayak. Originating in 2015, the Chandrabhaga Poetry Festival annually brings together poets and poetry enthusiasts, creating an intimate platform for cultural exchange in the historic town of Konark.