Odisha Chief Minister Mohan Charan Majhi today inaugurated the 7th Odisha State Book Festival-2025, emphasising the ancient roots of the Odia language and calling on citizens to promote its literature through increased reading and book gifting.

The festival, held at the Unit-3 Exhibition Ground in Bhubaneswar, will run from December 6 to 17. This year’s event features 550 stalls showcasing a wide array of books, along with dedicated pavilions honouring the state’s unsung heroes—referred to as “baraputras” or sons of the soil. The CM toured the stalls, purchased books, and paid tributes at the memorial pavilions.

In his address to litterateurs, writers, and book enthusiasts, Majhi highlighted Odia’s antiquity, citing evidence from ancient inscriptions like the 1st century BCE Hatigumpha c

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