The Institute of Social and Cultural Studies (ISCS), in collaboration with the Maulana Abul Kalam Azad Institute of Asian Studies (MAKAIAS), successfully inaugurated Purvodaya Literary Festival – Second edition at the Satyajit Ray Auditorium (ICCR) on Monday, 24th November 2025. The inaugural session set an energetic and inspiring tone for the multi-day festival, bringing together a wide cross-section of literary enthusiasts, scholars, performers, artists, students, and culture lovers.
The inaugural ceremony was graced by H.E. Dr. C. V. Ananda Bose, Hon’ble Governor of West Bengal, who attended as the Chief Guest. Shri Rajendra Singh, acclaimed environmentalist and water conservationist also known as ‘Water Man of India’ joined the event as the Guest of Honour, bringing an added dimension of ecological consciousness to the festival’s spirit of learning and reflection.
In his address, Dr. C. V. Ananda Bose, Hon’ble Governor of West Bengal, began by congratulating Paramita Satpathy and Rajendra Singh, reflecting that true literary honours choose only a rare few. He spoke of how Indian literature has long embodied an environmental conscience—from Valmiki’s first poetic utterance to Kalidasa’s evocative imagination—and recalled how his own years in the Himalayas deepened this insight. He highlighted the power of imagination through Coleridge, the philosophical brilliance of the Bhagavad Gita, and referenced his forthcoming book Jungle in the Mind. He emphasised the sustained role of literature and culture in shaping society, inspiring intellectual inquiry, and nurturing human values. He concluded by underscoring the need for cultural and social renewal.
This year, eminent writer Paramita Satpathy received Second Purvodaya Excellence Award in recognition of her significant contribution to contemporary Indian literature. Her inclusion added a distinguished highlight to the event.
Designed as a celebration of the East’s cultural dynamism, the festival showcased an expansive blend of ideas and artistic expressions. Attendees experienced a compelling line-up of events, including literary discussions, recitations, quizzes, fashion showcases, art competitions, and Nukkad Natak. Two special exhibitions namely Purvodaya Litpex: A Philatelic Exhibition on Literature and The Indonesian Odyssey of Rabindranath Tagore drew significant interest, highlighting rare archival documents, photographs and lesser-explored cultural linkages.
Also present at the ceremony was Shri Arindam Mukherjee, Director, ISCS, whose leadership has been central to the festival’s vision and continuity. Reflecting on the success of the inaugural session, he said, “Purvodaya Lit Fest celebrates the stories and ideas that define who we are as a society. This chapter once again reaffirmed the power of literature to connect communities, spark conversations, and encourage young minds to explore their creative and intellectual potential.”
With an enthusiastic turnout and overwhelmingly positive engagement, the opening day of Purvodaya Literary Festival – Second Edition marked a vibrant beginning to a series of enriching experiences awaiting participants in the days ahead.
