Bhubaneswar: Nepathya Nayika, a novel on the life of Kasturba Gandhi by Pushpanjali Kar, was released, here on Thursday. The book has been published by Pakshighara Prakashani.

Releasing the book Nalco CMD TK Chand said, “Literature, since time immemorial, has been acting as a major driver in social reforms and inculcating values in the social set ups. Especially, literature based on the lives and principles of great personalities and leaders can influence, enrich and boost this process. In this context, the first-ever novel on the life of legendary Kasturaba Gandhi in Odia language is commendable. This would certainly throw insights on the makings of a great leader like Mahatma Gandhi and the role played by Kasturaba Gandhi.”

The programme was inaugurated by renowned Odia writer Manorama Mohapatra. Speaking on the occasion, she congratulated the author of the novel for penning down the life of the lady behind Mahatma Gandhi, which is a great tribute to both Mahatma Gandhi and Kasturaba Gandhi on the 150th Birth Anniversary of the former. Among others, Dash Benhur, Gourahari Das and Preeti Roy, President, Nalco Mahila Samiti also spoke on the occasion.

Singer Sharanya Mishra performed a bhajan and artiste Bhaswati Basu presented a mono acting on Kasturba Gandhi.