OdishaPlus Bureau
“Poetry is an important medium to promote art, culture, tradition and tourism. Odisha is a wonderland of pluralism as mentioned in the Puranas. The state is rich in art, culture and tradition,” said R. Balakrishnan, Chief Advisor, Chief Minister’s Office, Odisha, while speaking at the 39th World Congress of Poets here today. Delivering a special lecture on “Konark – The Known and the Unknown”, Balakrishnan who is also a noted Indologist, said that Konark Sun Temple is a multi-layered odyssey and a magnificent example of Kalinga architecture.
He urged the participating poets to promote Odisha’s art, culture and tradition through poetry in their languages so that people across the world would know about Odisha’s rich heritage. “There are many monumental tourist spots in Odisha like Konark. These monumental tourist spots need to be promoted. Konark is the best monumental work of the world,” he added. Balakrishnan, a retired Indian Administrative Service officer, has published books and journals on history especially that of Odisha and Indus Valley Civilization.
Poetry recitation session in English, Chinese, Spanish and Regional Languages was held during the third day of the WCP hosted by KIIT University. The poet delegates from 82 countries visited Konark Temple and appreciated the architectural excellence of the monument.
Prof. Ernesto Kahan, First Vice President, World Academy of Arts & Culture (WAAC), USA delivered the welcome address, while Dr. María Eugenia Soberanis, General Secretary, WAAC proposed the vote of thanks.