Nabarangpur, Dec, 12: The birth anniversary of Kantakabi Lakshmikanta Mahapatra was celebrated at Jñāna Mandir School under the auspices of Sahitya Anusthan Utkal Parishad. The program was organized under the chairmanship of Parishad President Bijaya Kumar Choudhury. Eminent social worker Jagannath Mahapatra attended as the Chief Guest.
The event began with lighting the ceremonial lamp before the photograph of Kantakabi, followed by the singing of Bande Utkala Janani. Chief speaker Jagadish Tripathy delivered a detailed speech highlighting the multifaceted talent of Kantakabi. Dr. Bijay Kumar Mishra, attending as the Honoured Guest, narrated the history of Bande Utkala Janani.
Vice-President Prabhasini Mohanty introduced the guests, and Secretary Akhila Bhatt delivered the welcome address. Among others, Poornachandra Mahapatra and Dasharathi Pattnaik were present and encouraged the students.
Competitions on elocution, poetry recitation, and general knowledge were organized for the students. Poet Jahnavi Panda recited a poem composed in tribute to Kantakabi. The event concluded with a vote of thanks proposed by the School President, Rabishankar Sahu.