Celebrating 25 years of Kadambini magazine—Odisha’s iconic monthly enriching Odia literature, art, and culture with innovation and heritage
OdishaPlus Bureau
Kadambini was launched on 2 July 2000 as a monthly family magazine in Odia, focusing on literature and various features. It was established by educationist, philanthropist, and founder of KIIT & KISS, Prof. Dr. Achyuta Samanta, and is edited by the renowned litterateur Dr. Iti Samanta.
Since its launch, ‘Kadambini’ has covered a diverse array of topics, including Odia language and literature, art and culture, heritage and tradition, as well as history and tourism. Recently, Kadambini celebrated its 25th anniversary, marking a significant milestone as it turned 26 years old.
The magazine’s extensive readership and popularity have established it as the most widely circulated monthly Odia publication. The uninterrupted publication of Kadambini for two and a half decades represents a noteworthy achievement in the realm of Odia journalism.
The initial purpose of the publication of Kadambini was to enhance the Odia language and literature, elevating it to a respected position on the global stage. Driven by this aspiration and a vision to realize it, Iti Samanta, the younger sister of Achyuta Samanta, resigned from her engineering position, motivated by her lifelong passion for literature. She dedicated her perseverance, hard work, and all her efforts to actualize her literary dream.
‘Kadambini’ has not confined itself to a specific genre; rather, it has evolved into a convergence of diverse ideologies, various approaches, numerous opinions, and multiple pathways. The singular aim remains – to honor and promote the Odia language, literature, art, and culture.
Says Iti Samanta, ‘Our initial concept was to name the magazine starting with the letter ‘K’. Thus, we chose the name ‘Kadambini’. The term ‘Kadambini’ translates to cloud, a concept that has gained significant relevance in recent times. Through ‘Kadambini’, new talents have surfaced, the landscape of literature has been enriched, interest in literature has surged, and the Odia language, literature, art, and culture have further disseminated across the global stage.’
Kadambini transcends being merely a family magazine; it has evolved into a movement encompassing family, social, literary, and cultural dimensions. It is recognized as one of the premier magazines in the country, including in Odisha. Its reputation and prestige have extended widely.
From the very first issue, ‘Kadambini’ has showcased innovations in its style, cover design, and thematic content and aligning its themes with the evolving times.
Among the regular special editions of Kadambini are: anniversary issue (July), Pooja Special (October), New Year Special (January), Vishub (April), Women’s Special (March), Men’s Special (November), and Recipe/Kitchen special (June). Furthermore, specific issues are dedicated to various individuals, locations, communities, literary works, traditions, as well as cultural, social, and contemporary events over time.
The special features are as comprehensive as required. Topics include Jagannath, Nabakalebara, Tribals, Eunuchs, Women affected by Acid, Women battling Cancer, Various Districts and Locations (Cuttack, Boudh, Kandhamal, Kalahandi, Mayurbhanj, Rayagada, Bhubaneswar), Notable Personalities and Writers (Harekrushna Mahatab, Nityanand Mahapatra, Mayadhar Mansingh, Manoj Das, Ramakanta Rath, Binapani Mohanty, Santanu Kumar Acharya, Bibhuti Patnaik), and
numerous relevant subjects such as the 1866 famine, New Education Policy, Banking, Various Indian and Foreign Languages, Humor, and much more.
Research articles and interviews with distinguished individuals are also featured on the Kadambini pages. Each edition of Kadambini is filled with captivating, educational, entertaining, and relevant content, encompassing social, cultural, historical, familial, and literary aspects, including stories, novels, poems, lyrics, satire, translated works, romance, book introductions, politics, tourism, environmental issues, art culture, health, beauty, films, sports, news, horoscopes, panchang, cuisine, fashion, home decor, Readers Say. Most importantly, the pristine printing, the vibrantly produced full-colour magazine, and the appealing cover render ‘Kadambini’ distinctive.
A feature magazine like ‘Kadambini’, which is devoted to Odia literature, has been consistently published for many years in a refreshed format, adapting to all social conditions and circumstances while enhancing Odia literature. The contribution of Kadambini extends beyond merely publishing monthly magazines; it has successfully introduced innovative concepts such as the National Literary Festival since 2002 and the Kadambini Patrika Haat since 2009.
On a single platform, publishers and editors from various journals covering a wide range of subjects have the opportunity to present and sell their journals. Over ten thousand literary enthusiasts, language aficionados, and culture lovers from every part of Odisha, along with more than four hundred journals, editors, and publishers, are taking part in the festival at Kadambini Patrika.
Kadambini is not merely a magazine publisher or a festival organizer; it has been awarding accolades and recognitions for the past twenty-five years. Each year, a comprehensive list of awards and honors is bestowed upon numerous talented individuals.
Most importantly, ‘Nilimarani Sahitya Samman’ has been established in memory of the founder’s mother. This award includes a cash prize of one lakh rupees, a silver medal, and a citation. In a similar vein, for exceptional contributions to Odia literature, a writer is honored with the Kadambini Sahitya Samman, which consists of a cash prize of one lakh rupees, a silver plaque, and a citation. The distinguished ‘Kadambini Samman’ is awarded to prominent figures in various fields such as language, literature, art, culture, social service, education, industry, media, agriculture, cinema, and politics.
In a similar vein, four distinguished authors are being honored with the Kadambini Sahitya Samman for their lifetime literary contributions, alongside various awards such as the Kadambini Editor’s Award, Kadambini Novel Award, Kadambini Story Award, Kadambini Poetry Award, Kadambini Translation Award, Kadambini Feature Award, Kadambini Cover artiste Award, Kadambini Our Kitchen Award, Kadambini Dear Reader’s Award, Kunhikatha Dear Writer’s Award, Kunikatha Kunipratibha Award, and the Kadambini Innovation Competition, among others. Kadambini Media, which has significantly contributed to the publication of Kadambini, has been releasing a monthly children’s magazine named Kunikatha since July 2011.
In addition to publishing numerous books, Kadambini Media’s film Kathanthar, released in 1999 and inspired by the catastrophic cyclone, has been showcased at various national and international film festivals, receiving widespread acclaim and securing the State Film Award in eight categories, as well as the National Award for Best Regional Film.
Likewise, ‘Krantidhara’ has been showcased and well-received at numerous national and international film festivals, securing the State Film Awards in three distinct categories. The short film Kahani Nuhen received recognition as the Best Telefilm, while the documentary ‘Kahe Ballabh’ was honored with the Special Jury Award by the Government of Odisha.
Additionally, the climate change documentary ‘The Sea and Seven Villages’ has been presented at various national and international film festivals. The tele-film ‘Taapoi’, along with the educational films ‘Patra’ and ‘Kanyaratna’, as well as several music CDs and audio-visual documentaries, have been produced for the Government of Odisha.
The theatrical production ‘Kantaa-Kantaa’ has been performed and has received acclaim from both audiences and critics.Since 2022, Kadambini Sahitya Academy has collaborated with Kadambini Media to implement extensive initiatives in the realms of Odia language and literature, as well as art and culture. The inception of Kadambini aligns with the onset of the 21st century. The primary aim of Kadambini was to enhance the richness of language, literature, art, and culture. This goal has been realized with the publication of 304 consecutive issues of Kadambini (as of October 2025).
Reiterates Iti Samanta, ‘each page of ‘Kadambini’ is meticulously organized and printed to pay tribute to the mother, the homeland, and the mother tongue, proudly identifying itself as ‘Odia’ alongside the phrase ‘my language, my identity’.
Not for nothing that Kadambini has emerged as the most widely read monthly magazine in Odisha, representing a vast family.
Very informative and interesting article covering Kadambini’s evolution on different stages and its contribution to Odia literature,art and culture.Congratulations to Dr.Iti Samanta and Dr.Achyuta Samanta for their noble and persistent efforts..