Bhubaneswar, 19 October (H.S.) : Odisha Chief Minister Mohan Charan Majhi paid floral tributes to eminent Odia litterateur and orator Biswanath Kar on his death anniversary on Monday. The Chief Minister offered floral tributes at Kar’s statue located near the Odisha Legislative Assembly in Bhubaneswar.

Describing Biswanath Kar as a symbol of Odia pride, Majhi said that his contributions as a literary figure enriched Odia literature. Despite being conferred the title of Rai Bahadur by the British government in recognition of his exceptional knowledge and scholarship, Kar rejected the honour, demonstrating his self-respect as an Odia, the Chief Minister said.

Majhi added that Kar’s contributions to the promotion of the Odia language, literature and culture would remain immortal and continue to inspire generations.

Odisha Legislative Assembly Speaker Surama Padhy also paid tribute to the eminent personality, describing him as a distinguished editor, essayist and social reformer. She said Kar played a significant role in safeguarding the Odia language and literature and remained a source of inspiration for society.

Senior journalist Pradyumna Satpathy, Odia Language, Literature and Culture Department Secretary Dr Bijay Ketan Upadhyay, Odisha Legislative Assembly Secretary Satyabrata Rout, Culture Department Deputy Secretary Anup Panda, educationist Kamadeb Mahapatra, along with intellectuals and social workers, were present on the occasion and recalled Kar’s contributions to Odia society and literature.

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Hindusthan Samachar / Monalisa Panda