Kalinga Literary Festival hosts launch of A Various World by Ashok Kumar Bal

Bhubaneswar: The book ‘A Various World: People, Places, Perspectives’ by Ashok Kumar Bal was officially launched today at the prestigious Kalinga Literary Festival (KLF) in association with Penguin Random House India.

The event, held in Bhubaneswar, witnessed an extraordinary gathering of literary stalwarts, dignitaries, and avid readers who came together to celebrate this remarkable work.

The book was formally unveiled by Kanak Vardhan Singh Deo, Deputy Chief Minister of Odisha, alongside Padma Vibhushan Sudershan Sahoo. The event was graced by the presence of Rashmi Ranjan Parida, Founder of KLF, esteemed literary figures S N Mishra and Siba Swain, and several distinguished guests.

The evening commenced with an elegant lighting of the ceremonial lamp, signifying the illumination of knowledge, followed by the felicitation of esteemed guests with bouquets and Uttariya. The grand moment arrived as the book was officially unveiled, marking a new milestone in contemporary Indian literature.

A Book That Captures the Essence of Lived Experiences

A Various World takes readers on a profound journey through diverse human experiences, bringing forth compelling narratives of people, places, and perspectives. The book, priced at ₹400, was made available for purchase at the venue, generating enthusiastic interest among attendees.

Reflections from the Author and Distinguished Guests

In his address, author Ashok Kumar Bal shared insights into his creative process and the inspiration behind the book, stating,
“This book is a tribute to the multitude of perspectives that shape our world. It is an attempt to bridge stories, cultures, and emotions that define human existence.”

Notable speakers S N Mishra and Siba Swain provided thought-provoking reflections on the book’s relevance in contemporary literature. In a heartfelt moment, Samal, Dr. Dash, Mamata Misra, Mahimohan Tripathy, Prabir Patnaik, and Gokuli, who played key roles in the book’s narrative, were honored with bouquets and shared their perspectives.

Delivering the keynote, Chief Guest, Kanak Vardhan Singh Deo, emphasized the importance of storytelling in shaping cultural narratives, remarking,
“After exploring the fascinating processes of historical change in his acclaimed book Gajapati: A King Without a Kingdom, Ashok Bal turns his attention to the intimate world of the living present in A Various World. Here, people and places come vividly to life through richly detailed accounts. Brilliantly portrayed characters and incidents reveal the unceasing wonder of ordinariness. I found the book compellingly readable, and I am sure readers will find it equally unputdownable.”

The event concluded with an eloquent vote of thanks by Rashmi Ranjan Parida, acknowledging the collective effort that brought this significant work to life.