Puri, May 16: On the auspicious occasion of Savitri Amavasya, Puri witnessed a remarkable literary celebration as eminent poet and columnist Krushna Jagdev’s latest poetry collection “Kavita Kusumanjali” was formally released.

The ceremony was graced by Union Education Minister Dharmendra Pradhan, who unveiled the book and extended heartfelt congratulations to the poet and publisher.

Speaking at the event, Dharmendra Pradhan emphasized that “Kavita Kusumanjali” is not merely a collection of words but a profound expression of devotion, social sensitivity, and patriotism.

He described Krushna Jagdev as a multifaceted personality whose writings reflect the values of Utkalamani Gopabandhu Das and the cultural spirit of Puri.

As a dedicated social worker, RSS pracharak, and BJP activist, Jagdev has devoted his life to the welfare of society, inspiring countless readers through his impactful columns.

ପୁରୀରେ ଓଡ଼ିଶାର ବିଶିଷ୍ଟ କବି ତଥା ସ୍ତମ୍ଭକାର ଶ୍ରୀ କୃଷ୍ଣ ଜଗଦ୍ଦେବଙ୍କ ନୂତନ କବିତା ଗ୍ରନ୍ଥ ‘କବିତା କୁସୁମାଞ୍ଜଳି’ ଲୋକାର୍ପଣ କରି ମୁଁ ଆନନ୍ଦିତ । ଏହି ଗ୍ରନ୍ଥ କେବଳ କେତୋଟି ଶବ୍ଦର ସମାହାର ନୁହେଁ, ବରଂ ଏହା ଭକ୍ତି, ସମାଜ ଓ ରାଷ୍ଟ୍ରପ୍ରେମର ଏକ ଅପୂର୍ବ ନିଦର୍ଶନ । ଏହି ସଂକଳନ ପାଇଁ ମୁଁ କବି ଶ୍ରୀ ଜଗଦ୍ଦେବ ଏବଂ ଗ୍ରନ୍ଥର… pic.twitter.com/WoLdJuUhG9

— Dharmendra Pradhan (@dpradhanbjp) May 16, 2026

The Union Minister recalled a touching memory involving Prime Minister Narendra Modi, who during the Emergency years had visited Odisha as an RSS worker.

Locked out of the Puri office, PM Modi had travelled to Jagdev’s village on his scooter. Years later, as Prime Minister, Narendra Modi warmly recognized his old companion in a public lineup, saying, “Are Krushna Jagdev, tum khade ho!” — a testament to the enduring respect and camaraderie between them.

Union Minister Pradhan also highlighted the cultural significance of 2026, marking 1,000 years since the plunder of Somnath temple in 1026. He noted that India, blessed by Lord Somnath and Lord Jagannath, is now experiencing a new era of cultural resurgence.

This revival, he said, is strengthening national confidence and laying the foundation for a “Viksit Odisha” and “Viksit Bharat.”

Before the literary event, the Union Education Minister paid homage to Utkalamani Gopabandhu Das at the Ayurvedic College campus in Puri, acknowledging his sacrifice and service as a timeless inspiration.

He expressed gratitude for the literary gifts presented by eminent writers and prayed to Lord Jagannath for Krushna Jagdev’s long life and the widespread success of “Kavita Kusumanjali.”