28/09/2026
Project Point successfully hosted the Multilingual Young Poets' Conference (MLC) 2026 on 27th September 2026 at CUTM, Jatani, Odisha. The conference brought together 107 delegates from across India, representing diverse languages and literary traditions, including Odia, Hindi, English, Bengali, Bhojpuri, Telugu, Tamil, Assamese and Marathi.
Delegates from Afganistan, Nepal and Bhutan also join this program.
The central theme of the conference, “Asmita towards Culture”, created a meaningful platform for young poets, writers, scholars and cultural personalities to discuss the role of language and literature in preserving cultural identity and strengthening our collective heritage.
The day began with registration, followed by the Inauguration Ceremony at 11:00 AM.
Dr Sangram Keshari Samantaray , Chairperson, Project Point, delivered the Welcome Address and shared the vision and journey of MLC 2026. Dr Ipsita Sarangi Convenor, MLC 2026, presented the Objectives of the Conference.
The Special Guest, Padma Shri Shri Jitendra Haripal Ji, enriched the gathering with his reflections on the iconic Sambalpuri song “Rangabati” and its cultural significance.
The Chief Guest, Padma Shri Dr Debi Prasanna Pattnayak, delivered an insightful address on Odia Language and Literature, connecting language, cultural identity and Asmita.
The Chief Speaker, Shri Nihar Ranjan Dash, meaningfully addressed the regional, constitutional and global dimensions of India’s linguistic diversity, highlighting the importance of protecting and promoting the country’s multilingual heritage.
The inaugural session also witnessed the presentation of the Aditya Seva Samman to five distinguished personalities from the literary and cultural field. The book “Paean of the Soil” was also launched by the dignitaries.
The inaugural session concluded with a Vote of Thanks delivered by Mr Pramod Kumar Harichandan, Senior Advisor, Project Point.
The post-inaugural session featured a stimulating Roundtable Panel Discussion on “Culture and Asmita”, moderated by Shri Harekrushna Das, Co-Convenor, MLC 2026.
Distinguished participants, including Suranjan Ji, Umakant Ji and Shri Ramakrushna Mohanty, Senior Advisor, Project Point, shared their valuable perspectives on culture, identity, language and the responsibilities of the younger generation.
The post-lunch session became a vibrant platform for multilingual interaction and creative expression. Participants were divided into four groups for meaningful discussions on Asmita, bringing together young people from different linguistic and cultural backgrounds.
Young poets from various parts of the country presented their original poems before the distinguished guests and fellow participants, creating a beautiful atmosphere of literary exchange and cultural celebration.
The conference concluded with the presentation of MLC Awards to 10 outstanding young poets, recognising their contribution and participation in the conference.
In the Closing Ceremony Dr Banshidhar Sarangi Sir, Sahitya Akademi Winner joined as Chief Guest.
Project Point sincerely expresses its gratitude to the Ministry of Culture, Government of India ; Department of Odia Language, Literature & Culture, Odia Language Literature & Culture Department, Government of Odisha ; and Odisha Sahitya Akademi and Sahitya Akademi for their extraordinary support, cooperation and encouragement towards MLC 2026.
A special note of gratitude to Shri Suryabanshi Suraj Ji, Honorable State Minister of Odisha for his continued support and cooperation.
MLC 2026 demonstrated that language may be diverse, but culture connects us all. Through poetry, literature and dialogue, young people can build bridges across languages while celebrating the rich cultural identity of India.
One India: Many Languages: One Shared Cultural Heritage
Narendra Modi Mohan Charan Majhi Gajendra Singh Shekhawat Mansukh Mandaviya Governor Odisha Mera Yuva Bharat - MY Bharat
