Nagpur: Literature cannot be cocooned inside a solitary culture. It bifurcates into diverse cultures. While geographical boundaries may confine us and build walls between people residing in different regions, literature has the power to demolish those and build bridges to knit the society, said Pratibha Ray, a noted Odia author and Jnanpith award winner, on Saturday.Speaking on ‘Aseem Aahe Vishwa’, organized by Vidarbha Sanskrutik Parishad as part of Sumatibai-Bhalchandra lecture series at Sarvoday Ashram, Amravati Road, Ray said sky is not the limit. “People are often confused when I cross the barrier of language. India has several languages, but this should not be perceived as a weakness but a strength that requires to be explored,” she said.Highlighting the significance of writers and their role is voicing an opinion, she said, “Litterateurs cannot be mute spectators. Writers have the ability to combat social injustice with their words.”Ray said though her family consisted of five sisters and two brothers, she did not face discrimination. She said she doesn’t allow any kind of inferiority complex to grow. Urging people to keep the child in them alive, Ray said learning to share is important in life.Appreciating the city's hospitality, Ray said, “People of Nagpur are as sweet as its oranges.”Chairperson of Bharatiya Jnanpith Selection Board, the Odia writer has written numerous books. Her famous works include ‘The primal land’, ‘Salvation & other stories’, ‘Citadel of love’ and ‘Uttar Marg’.Her work, ‘Yajnaseni: The story of Draupadi’, the retelling of Mahabharata through Panchali’s point of view, made her the first woman to win Moortidevi award in 1991. She also received Sahitya Akademi award in 1985 and Jnanpith in 2011 for her contribution to literature.The programme was conducted by Ajay Gampawar and hosted by Sunil Patil. Sangeeta Mahajan proposed a vote of thanks.(Reporting by Manshika Vaikkath)

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