Literary Tribute Paid to Poet Balaram Pujari on Birth Anniversary

Malkangiri:April 02: The 52nd birth anniversary of renowned Odia poet Late Balaram Pujari was celebrated with great enthusiasm. Known as a grassroots voice of Odia literature, his writings beautifully reflect the soil and life of the Malkangiri region. Born on World Poetry Day, he enriched both the district and the state of Odisha with his literary contributions. His works continue to inspire future generations.
On this occasion, many dignitaries paid floral tributes at his statue in Kudumulugumma. A commemorative समारोह was also held at SR Mall Convention Hall in Jeypore, attended by literary figures from different parts of Odisha.
Eminent poet Dr. Basudev Sunani attended as the chief guest and remarked that poetry is an expression of compassion, and Balaram Pujari’s works portray the pain and struggles of marginalized communities. Distinguished guests Dr. Parameswar Munda and poet Dr. Preetidhara Samal also spoke about his literary journey. The event was presided over by poet and administrator Dharmaraj Majhi.
On this occasion, eminent poet Chakrapani Parichha was conferred the first Kabi Balaram Pujari Memorial Award 2026, which included a citation, memento, and a cash prize of ₹5,000.
A special poetry session titled “Kabita Koraput” was also organized in his memory, presided over by litterateur Harihar Karasudha Pattnaik. Poets including Ravi Satpathy, Madhuri Panda, M. Himanshu Achari, Ashok Maharana, Prakash Mahanti, Gopal Krishna Samantaray, Sabita Tripathy, and Manoranjan Pradhan recited their poems, while Omprakash Mishra presented a review.
The program began with a welcome address by Pushpanjali Rana, was coordinated by Bijayalakshmi Panigrahi, and managed by Sabyasachi Bishoyi, Niranjan Panigrahi, Bhagaban Sahu, Rudrabhishek Pujari, Rasaraj Muduli, and others.