Set against the serene backdrop of Puri, a city steeped inspirituality and heritage, the Puri Literary Festival 2025 celebrates India's enduring cultural legacy and its progressive aspirations. Rooted in the philosophy of Samavāya —the harmonious coexistence of tradition and modernity —the festival seeks to inspire a holistic dialogue that bridges India's ancient wisdom with its contemporary ambitions. The Puri Literary Festival 2025 is an ode to the eternal cyclicity of time and knowledge, a harmonious dialogue between the past and the future, inspired by the sacred wheels of the Konark Sun Temple and the divine Ratha of Lord Jagannath. These wheels symbolize the perpetual motion of life, the ceaseless journey of humanity through epochs, and the profound interplay of tradition and transformation.
Key objectives of the session are to reaffirm Puri's spiritual and cultural legacy and to foster global dialogue with an indigenous lens. At its core, the festival embraces the belief that India's timeless wisdom and artistic heritage serve not as relics of the past but as guiding lights for the future. It is through this lens that the festival seeks to explore how the nation can ascend to new pinnacles in art, architecture, literature, and economic development while remaining deeply rooted in its cultural ethos.
The festival's impact will extend far beyond the venue, with an outreach program spanning every district of Odisha. Events including heritage walks, folk art performances, and discussions on Odia literature will ensure grassroots participation, rekindling pride in Odisha's traditions. In schools and colleges, workshops and storytelling sessions will inspire the youth, while expert-led dialogues on environmental sustainability, digital literacy, and cultural preservation.
The culmination of these efforts will be a “Vision for Tomorrow”document, encapsulating insights to guide future policy and cultural initiatives. The Puri Literary Festival 2025 promises to be an enriching experience that echoes throughout the state, inspiring a deeper connection with India's cultural roots while embracing a modern, forward-thinking world.
Traversing across all states and more than6,000 villages in India, Omm Priyadarshi has gained deep insights from the country'sdiverse socio-economic fabric, establishing himself as a distinguished voice in development and policy advocacy.
He is the author of Paika: Jana, Akhyana O Andolana, and a recipient of the Prime Minister's Young Author Award.
He has helped shape policy at both national and global levels, having served as the Treasurer of the G20 Youth and represented India at prestigious international platforms, including BRICS and the Commonwealth.
Shashank Shekhar Singh is at the forefront of transformative thinking with his brainchild, the Adhyayan Foundation for Policy & Research (AFPR), which operates at the trisection of law, governance, and policymaking.
A lawyer by profession, his expertise in data-driven policymaking, ethical governance, and sustainability has made him a sought-after consultant and advisor in India and abroad.
He is deeply committed to and actively engages in initiatives that safeguard linguistic heritage and promote cultural continuity
A lawyer advocating for the right causes at the Supreme Court of India, Shivam Raghuwanshi has risen to prominence through his exceptional academic and professional achievements despite his humble background.
He is the author of two best-selling books, with his latest work, Ballot, Bullet and Blood, receiving significant acclaim.
In addition to his legal career, he has made notable contributions to student leadership, serving as the National Co-convenor of Think India, a national organization focused on empowering youth across premier academic institutions.