Cuttack, Oct 26: In a remarkable initiative to promote Odia language and literature, the district administration of Cuttack has announced the distribution of 75,000 free books during the ‘Historic Baliyatra Cuttack 2025’ festival.

This move aims to rekindle interest in reading among the youth, who are increasingly drawn to digital media.

To facilitate this, book collection centres have been set up at the District Collector’s office and various government offices across the city. Citizens are encouraged to donate their old books, which will be curated and distributed from a dedicated stall at the Baliyatra venue.

Also read: Argus News, District Administration Join Hands for ‘Historic Baliyatra Cuttack 2025'

Dattatraya Bhausaheb Shinde, District Collector, Cuttack, emphasized that in today’s digital age, the younger generation is drifting away from traditional reading habits. By offering free books, the administration hopes to revive the culture of reading and foster a deeper appreciation for Odia literature among the youth.

The initiative has already seen enthusiastic participation, with several individuals donating books on the first day. The administration believes this effort will not only preserve the literary heritage of Odisha but also inspire a new generation of readers.

The ‘Historic Baliyatra Cuttack 2025’, one of the largest trade fairs in Eastern India, provides an ideal platform for such outreach. With thousands of visitors expected, the book stall is poised to become a cultural hotspot, drawing attention to the richness of Odia language and storytelling.

This campaign is part of a broader cultural revival strategy, aligning with the state’s vision to promote regional identity and linguistic pride. The administration invites everyone to contribute and be part of this literary movement.