Governor Kambhampati inaugurates SOA Lit Fest, honours Javed Akhtar with first Sahitya Samman

Bhubaneswar, Nov 29: The third edition of the SOA Literary Festival commenced on Saturday with Odisha Governor Dr. Hari Babu Kambhampati emphasizing that while technology continues to expand and reshape human relationships, it can never replace the depth and richness of human experience.

Speaking at the inaugural ceremony of the two-day festival at the SOA campus, he noted that Artificial Intelligence is influencing communication, creativity and interpersonal interactions, but the future shaped by AI must still rely on empathy, ethical judgment and human imagination.

The event was distinguished by the presence of eminent poet, lyricist and thinker Javed Akhtar, who received the first SOA Sahitya Samman. The award, instituted this year, includes a citation, shawl, a silver idol of Goddess Saraswati and a cash prize of ₹7 lakh. It aims to honour an outstanding litterateur whose work reflects exceptional creativity and intellectual depth.

Organised by the SOA Centre for Preservation, Propagation and Restoration of Ancient Culture and Heritage of India (PPRACHIN), the festival has drawn over 100 poets, authors, playwrights, theatre personalities and media professionals from across the country. Over 30 sessions will be held across two days, centred around the theme “Culture, Creativity and Artificial Intelligence,” exploring how technological innovation is influencing literature and artistic expression.

SOA Vice-Chancellor Prof. Pradipta Kumar Nanda presided over the event, while former Sahitya Akademi Secretary Dr. K. Sreenivasarao and SOA Vice-President Ms. Saswati Das attended as guests of honour. PPRACHIN Head Prof. (Dr.) Gayatribala Panda welcomed the dignitaries, and Prof. Jyoti Ranjan Das delivered the vote of thanks.

Dr. Kambhampati praised Javed Akhtar’s unparalleled contribution to Indian literature and cinema, stating that his works have helped shape the cultural consciousness of the nation for over five decades. He described literature as a cornerstone of moral development, reflecting society, questioning injustice and nurturing compassion.

Expressing gratitude for the honour, Akhtar described language, culture, mythology and art as invaluable national resources. He reflected on India’s journey from lacking basic manufacturing capabilities at independence to becoming an industrialised nation, while cautioning that cultural heritage must not be neglected in the pursuit of progress.

Several books, including River Daya, the English translation of Prof. Gayatribala Panda’s Dayanadi, and new PPRACHIN publications of the Saroladas Mahabharatha, were released during the event.

Akhtar later interacted with students and faculty, sharing his views on AI. He remarked that technology lacks morality and its impact depends entirely on human intent. Comparing AI to past scientific innovations, he said that while it currently has limitations and relies on data, human creativity remains unmatched and irreplaceable.