The socio-cultural itinerary has been one of my multi-frontal sojourn for holistic social reform and transformation. I merely couldn’t remain content with Kalinga Institute of Industrial Technology and Kalinga Institute of Social Sciences (KIIT & KISS) and have never forgotten my roots and philosophy of life to respect mother, motherland and mother tongue. I always crave to do more. I have been actively promoting, supporting and safeguarding the literature, art and culture of Odisha. My passion and love for language, literature, art and culture gave birth to Kadambini Media Pvt. Ltd. in the year 2000. It has been publishing “Kadambini”, the first-ever family feature magazine in Odia, and also “Kunikatha”, the first-ever magazine for children in Odia. These two magazines reflect our immaculate sense of refined taste and finesse, and the special touch of distinction that has made it household names in Odisha today. Kadambini, the most popular household Odia Magazine, is our humble contribution to embellish the rich Odia literature.
As the Founder of Kadambini, the only monthly family feature magazine in Odia, I congratulate all the readers and well-wishers of the publication on the completion of two decades of success. I am pleasantly surprised that Kadambini has completed 20 years of its journey. It gives me immense pleasure that an Odia magazine like Kadambini has been published uninterruptedly for the last 20 years. I am happy that people have accepted Kadambini as a family magazine. There is no greater pleasure for me than to see the eagerness to get a copy of Kadambini every month, and then waiting for its next edition.
Origin of Kadambini & Iti
I remember, in the year 2000 on 2nd July, Kadambini started its journey as a small Odia magazine, just experimentally. I had entrusted with the responsibility of the magazine to my younger sister, Iti. When I began my journey, I did not have much knowledge before establishing KIIT and KISS. However, by the blessing of God, it has reached great heights today. In the same way, my sister did not have much idea before Kadambini established. And today, it is a household name in Odisha! Iti has also not looked back since then. She has carved a niche for herself in the world of Odia literature. Our mother had been the backbone of support to Kadambini. She always attended all the events of Kadambini witnessing right in the front seat but would miss my events at KIIT and KISS.
Kadambini – Path to Glory
All of you know that Kadambini is not only a magazine of stories and poems, like many other magazines, but it is a feature-based family magazine. Also, it’s no secret how difficult it is to publish a magazine with a good look and theme every month without a break. For this, I thank Iti and also express my gratitude to all of you. Without encouragement from its readers and well-wishers, a magazine will not have been able to achieve such an important milestone of completing 20 years of publishing.
It is a matter of happiness that during the last 20 years Kadambini has become much more than a magazine – It has transformed into an organisation. It gives scope to the budding as well as established Odia writers to publish and promote their literary activities, work and prowess. Several conferences, meets and fests are organised throughout the year to serve a sumptuous feast of literary ideas to the Odia writers, novelists, columnists and poets under the aegis of Kadambini. Besides literary events throughout the year, Kadambini organises two hallmark events in a calendar year – The “Mega Literary Meet-cum-Annual Day” on 2nd July, its foundation day, and the Kadambini Literary Festival-cum- “Patrika Haat”, on the first Sunday of January every year attended by more than 5000 writers, poets, authors and literature enthusiasts in the state and across the globe, graced by eminent persons of National and International repute. This day-long event lets small, medium and established magazines even from the most interior parts of the state to exhibit their publications and gain visibility and market.
Kadambini also recognises literary talents by awarding them. The most popular award is Neelima Devi Literary Award, which has prize money of Rs. 5 lakh. Earlier, this award was known as “Kadambini Samman” with prize money of Rs. 1 lakh. From a humble beginning, Kadambini has now become the most popular household name due to the tireless efforts of Iti. Besides establishing herself as a highly acclaimed Odia writer, she has steered Kadmabini to popularity with her passion and dedication. Kadambini Media Pvt. Ltd. produced ‘Kathantara”; and ‘Krantidhara’, two award-winning feature films in Odia under the aegis of Kalinga Institute of Fashion and Films.
My Message
Kadambini has encouraged the hidden talents of Odisha and patronised them through these programmes. Taking opportunity of this occasion, I once again thank all the writers, poets, advertisers. And pray to Lord Shri Jagannath to bless you and your family. At last, I congratulate and express my gratitude to all the family members of Kadambini. I hope that Kadambini will continue to publish such refreshing contents until the next 20 years with the blessings of Almighty. There is no doubt that my dear sister Iti will continue to strive with much enthusiasm to make this magazine even more desirable. With this, I wish to Kadambini all the best in its future endeavours!
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