dr. itirani samanta

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Dr. Itirani SamantaEntrepreneur, Creative Writer, Journalist, Editor (premier monthly family magazine of the state),

Publisher, Director (Kadambini Media Pvt. Ltd.), National Award Winning Film Producer,Reputed Television Producer, Interviewer and Social Activist.

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Residence: Nilima Nilaya, 421/2359, Padmabati ViharSailashree Vihar, Bhubaneswar - 751 021, Odisha.Cell: +91 9937220229 / 9437014119

Office: Kadambini Villa, 421/2358, Padmabati ViharSailashree Vihar, Bhubaneswar - 751 021, Odisha.Tel: +91 7328841932 / 7328841933, 0674-2740519 / 2741260

E-mail: [email protected], [email protected]

Website: https://itisamanta.com & https://kadambini.orgWikipedia: https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Itirani_Samanta

Facebook Page: https://www.facebook.com/ItiraniSamantaOfficial

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/itiranisamanta

Dr. Itirani SamantaA women entrepreneur who is a Creative Writer, Journalist, Editor,Publisher, Director (Kadambini Media), National Award Winning FilmProducer, Reputed Television Producer, Interviewer and Social Activist.

Nationality : Indian

Village : Kalarabank

Dist : Cuttack

State : Odisha

PIN : 754132

Education : • Electronics & Telecommunication Engineering• Post Graduate Degree in Odia Literature• Masters Degree in Mass Communications and

Advanced Journalism from Utkal University, Odisha• Ph.D in literature from Visva-Bharati, Santiniketan

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Dr. Itirani Samanta, an eminent writer, journalist, editor, publisher and nationalaward winning film producer occupies a very signficant position in contemporaryOdisha. Writing is her first love. In fact, from early childhood, she started cuddlingup emotions and scribbled down her feelings on a regular basis. That in later stageculminated into stories, novels, poems, dramas, features, articles of social relevance,women empowerment & gender related issues. She has been continuously writingher editorials in ‘The Kadambini’, the most popular family magazine in Odisha onwomen related issues, women empowerment and current social problems since twodecade. She rediscovered various facets of characters portrayed in the great epics of‘Ramayan’ and ‘Mahabharat’. She flourished as a writer, braving many distractionsthat came in her life. Her first book ‘Tathaapi’ is a collection of short stories cameout in the year 2001. Since then, she never looked back. In a literary career of morethan twenty five years she has produced 20 books to her credit. Her books havereceived rave reviews and have been appreciated by readers as well.

Dr. Samanta’s continued popularity amongst innumerable readers hinges on herseries of editorials. These editorials in ‘The Kadambini’ are the interpretations andrelevance of women characters in the popular epics like ‘Ramayan’ and ‘Mahabharat’in today’s age. One definitely finds a sustained effort by her to draw the contours ofmodernity which accommodates strong female characters of our ancient society.

Above all she is a self-made women who has dedicated her whole life for literature,art and social work.

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EARLY LIFEDr. Itirani Samanta was born on 1970 in a non-descript village Kalarabanka a ruralhinterland in Cuttack district in the state of Odisha. She is the youngest of sevensiblings of Nilimarani Samanta and Anadi Charan Samanta. She was neither fortunateto grow up with her father, who passed away while she was only two months old norhave a family income to support her early education and was brought up by hermother amidst abject poverty and sticky social challenges.

Dwelling on margins the lives of herself and her six siblings could be hardly describedas decent. The cemented reality of poverty in her life never deterred her from gettingan education. With her academic excellence and daily errands or petty activities toaugment her family’s income she stubbornly faced poverty at unimaginable lengths.It was her grit and firm passion of education that drove her through unchartered pathsof economic deprivation to finally complete her engineering. As life had it, her passionof writing and reading in her early years culminated later in her becoming a writer.

EDUCATIONDr. Itirani Samanta pursued her primary education in her village school atKalarabanka and after that shifted to Cuttack and passed High School CertificateExamination from Khan Nagar High School. After her High School education she tookadmission in Ramadevi Women’s College, Bhubaneswar for perusing HigherSecondary education in Science. Soon after the completion of +2 science she joinedElectronics & Tele-communication Engineering course to financially support her family.But she had a strong desire since her School days to become a writer, so her literarycalling passion gained over her and after completion of engineering degree againshe changed her academic pursuit to literature which brought her a meritorious PostGraduate Degree in Odia Literature and a lambent Masters Degree in MassCommunications and Advanced Journalism from Utkal University, Odisha. Later, shedid her Ph.D in literature from Visva-Bharati, Santiniketan. She was also awardedJunior and prestigious Senior Fellowship of the Ministry of Culture, Govt. of India.

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While Dr. Itirani Samanta climbed the scholarly career in literature and communicationstudies, the inner calling of the creative desire, forced her to dedicate herself forpromotion of literature, art, culture and heritage of Odisha. The result of this alchemyof creative spirit and literary entrepreneurship led to the establishment of KadambiniMedia Pvt. Ltd. with the sole objective of promoting art, culture, literature and cinemain Odisha and India as well.

The journey of Dr. Samanta in setting up one of the premier media conglomerates ishighly inspirational. In its odyssey of twenty years ‘The Kadambini’ has beenpropagating the empowerment of women as it’s nuclei along with overall developmentof the society and a change in certain perspectives. The monthly magazine see itself tobe a torchbearer of Odia literature, art and culture at the global podium. With thehighest readership of any Odia magazine; around a million ‘The Kadambini’s impactis staggering for propelling an equal, liberal, culturally acknowledged andsophisticated society. Apart from helming the editorial part of ‘The Kadambini’Dr. Samanta looks after the marketing of magazine so that Odia literature gainsenormous readership in popular paradigm and also on the advertising as sustaininga magazine is a highly tedious job. In her twenty years of service to Odia literaturethrough ‘The Kadambini’ Dr. Samanta has not only thrown light on elegant prose andpoetry but also on socially contentious topics which have enlightened the massesabout the downtrodden and marginalised sections amply. ‘The Kadambini’s acceptanceamongst lakhs portrays Dr. Samanta’s popularity and the acceptance of her writings.

Dr. Itirani Samanta has proved herself as a successful entrepreneur in the field ofliterature, education, art, culture and film production. She has received the womenentrepreneurship award.

Career as Entrepreneur

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KADAMBINI MEDIA PRIVATE LIMITED(A vision for uplifting Art, Culture and Literature)

From a modest start as the publisher of a family magazine, the organisation todayhas emerged as a reputed publication house publishing novels, short stories, poetrycollections, feature collections and translations of literary masterpieces from otherIndian and foreign languages. Dr. Itirani Samanta, the director of Kadambini Media isa woman with a dream. ‘The Kadambini’, a premier monthly family magazine and ‘TheKunikatha’, a magazine for children & youth, are two unique products of this mediahouse run by Dr. Itirani Samanta, who also serves as the editor of these two largestOdia magazines. ‘The Kadambini’ is her brainchild through which she dreamt ofushering in a creative renaissance of sorts in the state.

As an educational entrepreneur she is successfully managing two schools in her nativevillage Kalarabank.

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In 2000 AD when most of the leading odia magazines were struggling to get publishedregularly. Some of the magazine publishers were also closed their publication house.Which resulted a great loss for propagation of odia language and literature. Becausemagazines are the breeding ground of language, literature and culture. At that pointof time Dr. Itirani Samanta took a bold step in publishing a colourful family magazine‘The Kadambini’ which set a new era in the history of odia magazines. Her onlyresources was her passion, determination and hard work to bring the magazine up tothe state.

‘The Kadambini’ is the largest circulated (certified by ABC) premier monthly familymagazine of Odisha with the largest readership. A comprehensive family magazine‘The Kadambini’ has captured the mindscape of all sections of people of the state. Ithas also created it’s space in the heart of Odia's residing in the country and abroad.This attractive monthly magazine with its broad content-mix and quality printing,caters to the taste of all cultured Odia's regardless of age, gender and income level.‘The Kadambini’ offers something for everyone in the family. Each issue containscover-feature on topical social and cultural issues, current social problems, lifestyleand fashion trends, movies, television, fiction, poetry, serial novels, Odia translationsclassics from other languages, sports, health, beauty, cookery and household tips.The magazine hits the stands with unfailing regularity on the 1st week of every month.Apart from the regular issues ‘The Kadambini’ brings out four special issues everyyear. Each issue, be it regular or special is a keepsake- a glossy work of art withmulticoloured layouts so beautiful that it catches attention of all section of readers.Needless to say, with so much going for it ‘The Kadambini’ provides the dream vehiclefor all to access the Odia culture psyche.

‘The Kunikatha’, a monthly family magazine for the children and teenagers marksKadambini Media’s commitment for future generations. It has got all the elements of

Contribution to Odia Language and Literature

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information, entertainment and education for children of modern times. Itcontains stories, poems, jokes, cartoons, quizzes, G.K., topics on science, music,cinema, arts and literature. All its pages are attractive with multi-colouredlayouts, beautiful sketches and photographs. ‘The Kunikatha’ maintains timelypublication, better quality and rich content. Now, it reaches almost among allthe families of ‘The Kadambini’ subscribers. Besides, it has caught attention ofmany young Odia children and teenagers in the State and outside.

Kadambini Media has been established to achieve excellence in publication ofmagazines, books and production of audio, audiovisual programmes and filmsfor upliftment of art, culture and literature. It has created a platform where thecreative potential inherited in every individual can be realised. It has alsoprovided space for eminent people in the field of art, literature, social service,education, media, administration and industries etc. Kadambini Media hasbeen providing a platform to young people to showcase their talents in the fieldof art, literature and education etc.

As a step towards fulfilling Kadambini Media’s commitment for literature, ithas published / is publishing books with high literary value authored by eminentas well as young writers. As a part of its endeavour, Media has also venturedinto the audio-visual medium. So far it has produced several music albumsand Video CDs of popular songs. Kadambini Media also has marked its debutin films with its maiden production ‘Kathantara’ (Another Story), a film with1999 Super-cyclone as its backdrop. ‘Kathantara’ went on to bag 8 awards inthe 18th Odisha State Film Awards-2005 and Silver Lotus for the Best OdiaFeature Film- 2006 in the 53rd National Film Awards. It also participated andreceived critical acclaims in several National and International Film Festivals.Media’s second feature film ‘Krantidhara’ (Coup de grace) has based on thestruggle of women in grass root politics which has been highly acclaimed bycritics and audiences in various national and international film festivals andowned 3 Awards in the Odisha State Film Awards-2014.

‘Krantidhara’

‘Kathantara’

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Another short film by Kadambini Media ‘Kahani Nuhen’ was adjudged the BestShort Film at the 1st Odisha State Tele-Film Award. Apart from these, theorganisation is also producing documentaries, tele-films, tele-serials, musicvideos, reality shows, and many other entertaining programmes for differentchannels. Kadambini media in association with Kalinga TV – a reputed channelhas produced a series of quality programmes related to Odisha’s art, culture andliterature. It is the first media house in the country to produce a series of programmesdepicting life and struggle of transgenders ‘Bhina Manisha Bhina Katha’.

KADAMBINI LITERARY FESTIVALKadambini Media has created a possibility of huge gathering and interactionof literary people, writers, editors, poets, publishers, readers, intellectuals, artists,research scholars and students. Every year it organises Kadambini Literary Festivalinviting veterans from Odisha and outside to share their experience and todiscuss on the various issues and trends. This is a unique literary festival torevive memories, meet old friends and to create new friends. Its single ambitionhas been to provide immortally reach Odia literature and culture a platform toflaunt its grandiloquent depth. This is a daylong function from 8 AM to 8 PMwith a large number of audiences (around 7000). Year after year the participationis increasing and now it has become the Sahitya Kumbha of Odisha.In the second phase of Kadambini Literary Festival, ‘Kabi O Kabita’ session isorganised. In this session, the renowned poets from all over the spheres gathertogether and recite their own unpublished poems. The ‘Kabi O Kabita’ sessionof this Kadambini Literary Festival provides a scope to all the eminent poets toenlight the audiences about their own creativity as a poet.In the third phase, ‘The Kunikatha’ organises ‘Kunakuni Mela’ (Children’s Fair)in state level among the school students. Wherein children’s from all overOdisha and outside the state participate in the dance and song competition toshowcase their talent. The main focus and aim of Kunakuni Mela is to encourageliterature, song and dance among the young talents and to recognise them.

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KADAMBINI PATRIKAA HAATA(An unique & only magazine fair of the state)Apart from the above routine functions, Kadambini Media believes thatmagazines are the conservators of a Nation’s literary and cultural heritage.With this in view Kadambini Media in the year 2009 launched a unique magazineexhibition ‘Kadambini Patrikaa Haata’ (unique & only magazine fair of the state)inaugurated by the Hon'ble Ex-Governor of Odisha Shri M.C. Bhandare. The ideawas to facilitate the exhibition and sale of all the magazines of the state whetherin print or out of print under one roof. For the first time in the state of Odishaalmost all magazines of different kinds participated in this function. It hasbecome an annual event of magazine display and sale. Kadambini made all thearrangements from providing free space and food for the participants free ofcost. Pleasantly surprising everybody the Haata become a huge success fromthe start itself. It has become an annual event of magazine display and sale. ‘Thekadambini’ hosts the function and provides free space for stalls. A day longexhibition comprising of more than 500 participants goes on with enthusiasticfeelings of all participants. It is highly appreciated by the illustriouspersonalities present on the occasion. Year after year Dr. Itirani Samantaorganising the haata in the month of January coinciding with the KadambiniLiterary Festival. It is usually inaugurated by the distinguished guests and thesame has been highly appreciated by the illustrious personalities present onthe occasion. The success of the haata, where the editors gets a chance tointeract with his readers directly has tempted the magazine owners of otherstates to participate in it. Their number is also rising every year.

PRESENTATION OF AWARDS IN DIFFERENT FIELDSThe Kadambini Media has instituted several awards in different fields as amark of recognition given in honour of different achievments.• Nilimarani Sahitya Samman: From 2019 onwards in Kadambini Literary

Festival, prestigious ‘Nilimarani Sahitya Samman’ (at national level) isbestowed on a person for his/her lifetime contribution in the field of Indian

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literature. The award carries a cash prize of rupees five lakhs, emblem, shawland certificate.

• Kadambini Sahitya Samman: ‘Kadambini Sahitya Samman’ (at state level) isbestowed on a person in recognition of his/her contribution to the field ofOdia literature. The award carries a cash prize of rupees one lakh, emblem,shawl and certificate.

• Kadambini Sampadak Samman: This Award is bestowed on a person inrecognition of his/her continuous effort in magazine editing. The awardcarries a cash prize of rupees ten thousand, emblem, shawl and certificate.

• Kadambini Sahitya Sambardhana (Felicitation in the field of literature): Fourveteran writers are felicitated in recognition of their contribution to thefield of Odia literature. The felicitation carries a cash prize of rupees tenthousand, emblem, shawl and certificate to each writers.

• Kadambini Samman: ‘The Kadambini’ on 2nd of July each year, celebrates itsbirth anniverssary fuction. In this occasion the prestigious ‘KadambiniSamman’ is bestowed to an individual for his/her eye catching contributionin the field of art, culture, literature, social service, education, industries,media, administration, agriculture and politics. The award carries a cashprize of rupees fifty thousand, emblem, shawl and certificate . ‘TheKadambini’ has also instituted several awards in various fields and honourthem during its birth anniversary function.

• Kadambini Galpa Samman (Kadambini Story Award): This award is presentedto eminent story writer in recognition of his/her contribution to the Odialiterature. The award carries a cash prize of rupees ten thousand, emblem,shawl and certificate.

• Kadambini Kabita Samman (Kadambini Poem Award): This award ispresented to eminent poet in recognition of his/her contribution to the fieldof Odia literature. The award carries a cash prize of Rupees ten thousand,emblem, shawl and certificate.

• Kadambini Anubad Samman (Kadambini Translation Award): This award ispresented to eminent translator in recognition of his/her contribution to

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the field of Odia literature. The award carries a cash prize of rupees fivethousand, emblem, shawl and certificate.

• Kadambini Feature Samman (Kadambini Feature Award): This award ispresented to eminent feature writer in recognition of his/her contributionto the field of Odia literature. The award carries a cash prize of rupees fivethousand, emblem, shawl and certificate.

• Kadambini Prachhadsilpi Samman (Kadambini Cover Model Award): Thisaward is presented to best model appeared in the cover page of ‘TheKadambini’. The award carries special gift, shawl and certificate.

• Kadambini Ama Roshei Puraskar (Kadambini Cookery Award): This award ispresented to a women for her achievement of excellence in cooking. Theaward carries a cash prize of rupees ten thousand, shawl and certificate.

• Kadambini Priya Pathak Sambardhana (Kadambini Reader Award): This awardis presented to magazine reader of the year. The award carries special gift,shawl and certificate.

• Kunikatha Priya Lekhak Samman (Popular Children Writer Award): Thisaward is presented to best writer of the year for his/her writings in ‘TheKunikatha’. The award carries a cash prize of rupees five thousand, shawland certificate.

• Kunikatha Kunipratibha Puraskar (Kunikatha Young Talent Award): This awardis presented to a child for his/her talent towards writing in ‘The Kunikatha’.The award carries a cash prize of rupees five thousand, shawl and certificate.

• Kadambini Galpa Unmesh Puraskar (Kadambini Emerging Story WriterAward): This award is presented upon 3 young story writers. The awardcarries a cash prize of rupees five thousand, shawl and certificate eachrespectively.

• Kadambini Kabya Unmesh Puraskar (Kadambini Emerging Poet Award): Thisaward is presented upon 3 young poet. The award carries a cash prize ofrupees five thousand, shawl and certificate each respectively.

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Before Joining the Master’sprogramme in journalism, Dr. ItiraniSamanta had been practisingjournalism as the Editor of ‘TheKadambini’ a monthly featuremagazine. She used to write featureson various social literal, culturaland socio political issues. Some ofher features also publised indifferent news papers andmagazines of the state. She has gotthe art of interviewing people andbring out different facets of theirpersonalities. Since the begining ofher journalistic career she hascovered hundreds of people fromdifferent spheres and all works oflife. Apart from the above sheconducted many television shows asa Programe producer, contentdesigner, interviewer and moderator.

Career in Journalism

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TATHAAPI(Short Story)Publisher: Kadambini Media Pvt. Ltd.First Edition: July 2001, Second Edition: July 2005Third Edition: July 2010, Fourth Edition: April 2015Page: 72Price: 40.00

ISBN 978-93-85350-00-9

It is a Collection of short stories written by the authoress at different times. Verybrilliantly told, the stories in the book deal with the torture and trauma of womenand their struggle to find their self esteem.

ITI TORA LIPSA(Short Story)Publisher: Kadambini Media Pvt. Ltd.First Edition: December 2012Page: 232Price: 145.00

ISBN 978-81-920553-7-4

This book also contains short stories. The central characters of all these stories arewomen. With pain, pleasure, suffering, love, hate, treachery, conflicts and erosion ofvalues in the back ground and glued to the tradition and culture, these stories tell usabout the struggle of women for self-liberation.

Creative Writing

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JHADA PARARA SURYA O KRANTIDHARA(Short Story & Film Script)Publisher: Kadambini Media Pvt. Ltd.First Edition: June 2017Page: 176Price: 150.00

ISBN 978-93-85350-05-4

'Jhada Parara Surya', a story of Dr. Iti Samanta from her book ‘Iti Tora Lipsa’, onwoman liberation is well appreciated by readers and critics. It's strong story lineand poetic narratives compel the readers to go through it. Later on, a film namely,‘Krantidhara’ has been made on the story. Directed by Himanshu Sekhar Khatua anational award winning director. The film has got many awards and accolades. Boththe story and the screenplay of ‘Krantidhara’ have been compiled in this book.

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NIRABA ALAPA(Novel)Publisher: Kadambini Media Pvt. Ltd.First Edition: April 2013Page: 152Price: 115.00

ISBN 978-81-920553-8-1

It is the story of a blind girl Adya and her best friend ‘Mahanadi’. In spite of hersufferings throughout, she never compromises with the values of life. Her loverdeceives her. Still she remains calm and compassionate and struggles hard to keepher self esteem high.

SAKUNTALA RA JHIA(Novel)Publisher: Kadambini Media Pvt. Ltd.First Edition: November 2017Page: 256Price: 200.00

ISBN 978-93-85350-07-8

The novel depicts the life & struggle of a single parent (mother) for upbringing andeducating her daughter. Sakuntala a strong willed woman boldly denies in puttingher daughter's father's name in the school admission register. In her opinion, herchild should not be recognised by the name of the person who doesn’t want her tocome to the world and do not have any contribution towards her upbringing.

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SHAKUNTALA’S DAUGHTER(Novel)Publisher: AuthorspressFirst Edition: 2019Page: 317Price: 395.00

ISBN 978-93-89110-24-1

Dr. Iti Samanta’s second novel Shakuntala's Daughter carries an important and novelmessage. Women are the perfect symbol of love, affection, sacrifice, tolerance andsympathy. But a woman's self-esteem always comes first. Her self-esteem meansmore than anything else to woman. And shakuntala's daughter is its perfect example.We believe that this emotional novel carries a new message which will be popularamong the readers because of its newness and story value. 'Shakuntala's Daughter'is translated from her original Odia novel 'Sakluntala ra Jhia'. It is published throughAuthorspress publications.

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ITIBRUTI(Editorial Collection, Part-I)Publisher: Kadambini Media Pvt. Ltd.First Edition: January 2006Second Edition: April 2015Page: 64Price: 50.00

ISBN 978-93-85350-01-06

This is a compilation of the editorial pieces of the most popular Odia monthly, ‘TheKadambini’. Penned by Dr. Samanta as is editor. Spanning for a period from July 2000to June 2005 these articles authoritatively comment on various social and culturalaspects.

ITIBRUTI(Editorial Collection, Part-2)Publisher: Kadambini Media Pvt. Ltd.First Edition: July 2010Page: 96Price: 60.00

This is a book of editorials of the largest circulated monthly of Odisha 'The Kadambini'from July 2005 to June 2010. Widely accepted and very well appreciated by thereaders, these articles speak on various social, cultural and contemporary topics.

Editorial Collections

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MUDRITA NAYIKA(The Thesis)Publisher: Kadambini Media Pvt. Ltd.First Edition: July 2019Page: 464Price: 450.00

ISBN 978-93-85350-13-9

MUDRITA NAYIKA (Imprinted Heroines) is a remarkable research thesis on the topicwomen characters in Odia novels. The aesthetical analysis of multifarious womencharacters depicted in Odia novels in height of modern critical theory with microscopicvision made the work more effective and attractive. In different chapters significantaspects like theory of characterisation, the nature and features of women characters,the celebrated women characters of world famous novels and vivid description ofwomen characters in hundred years of Odia novels with appropriate examples andreferences are valuable and useful for students and scholars.Dr. Iti Samanta, a well known short story writer, novelist and illustrious editor of themost popular family magazine in Odia has written this creative criticism in herbeautiful story telling method with penetrative language to enable the readers toelicit aesthetic pleasure.

Literary Criticism

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KATHAARE KATHAARE UPANYAASA RE NAARICHARITRA(A collection of research oriented interviews, Part-I)Publisher: Kadambini Media Pvt. Ltd.First Edition: January 2011Page: 400Price: 225.00

ISBN 978-81-920553-0-5

This is a research based interview book by the authoress. In the book, the interviewer,Dr. Samanta has tried to capture the mood and psyche of twenty two novelists andhas put before the readers their views and writings on women. A unique book initself, this gives a lot of information about the authors, their characters in the book,their views and opinions on women, men, society, and life etc.

KATHAARE KATHAARE UPANYAASA RE NAARICHARITRA(A collection of research oriented interviews, Part-II)Publisher: Kadambini Media Pvt. Ltd.First Edition: Srigundicha Rathajatra, 2012Page: 342Price: 200.00

ISBN 978-81-920553-1-2

This is the second part of Kathare Kathare Upanyasa re NariCharitra Containinginterviews of twenty two authors. They include celebrated novelists like MohapatraNilamani Sahu, Shantanu Kumar Acharya, Srinibas Udgata, Kanakalata Mohanty,Padmaja Pal and others. Here, in the book authors have spoken up their mind onwomen and the society.

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PRASANGA GUCHHA(A collection of Features)Publisher: Kadambini Media Pvt. Ltd.First Edition: January 2018Page: 832, Price: 500.00

ISBN 978-93-85350-08-5

It’s a collection of features on various topics based on current, social & culturalissues, life-style and fashion trends, movies and television, fiction, poetry, serialnovels, Odia translations classics from other languages, sports, health, beauty,cookery and household tips by Dr. Iti Samanta published in ‘The Kadambini’, thepremier monthly family magazine of the state.

KATHABARTA(A Collection of Interviews)Publisher: Kadambini Media Pvt. Ltd.First Edition: July 2017Page: 576, Price: 350.00

ISBN 978-93-85350-06-1

Leading Monthly magazine of Odisha, ‘The Kadambini’, Consistently associates itselfwith people from all walks of life. Be they writers, intellectuals, politicians,bureaucrats or common people. It shares their opinion and views on various aspectsof life, society, literature, culture, environment etc. Through interviews to its readersin the magazine. It covers almost all areas of the society and life. This is a compilationof those interviews done by Dr. Iti Samanta and is a unique one to be referred byresearch scholars and many others.

Feature Collection and Interviews

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KUNAKUNINKU CHITHI(Collection of Letters)

Volume - 1First Edition: January 2019

Page: 98Price: 220.00

ISBN 978-93-85350-09-2



ISBN 978-93-85350-10-8



ISBN 978-93-85350-11-5



ISBN 978-93-85350-12-2

This book is a collection of letters written by Dr. Iti Samanta to the small & young children which are regularlypublished in the ‘The Kunikatha’, a premier monthly magazine for children & youth in which each letter gives aninformative, enlighting and advisory message to the growing youth. The book is published through KadambiniMedia Pvt. Ltd. in four parts.

Children Literature

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CHARCHAARE CHANDRASEKHAR(Book of Essays)Publisher: Kadambini Media Pvt. Ltd.First Edition: 29 October 2012Page: 392Price: 240.00

ISBN 978-81-920553-4-3

This is a book of discussion on the great story teller, orator, educationist andintellectual of Odisha, Chandra Sekhar Rath. Established writers and intellectualshave contributed their scholarly pieces of writing for this book discussing variousaspects of his writing and persona. They include, Mahapatra Nilamani Sahu, AsitKabi, Dasarathi Das, Sanghamitra Mishra, Rabi Patnayak, Jibanananda Pani andmay others. Dr. Iti Samanta has edited the book.

Compilation

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KADAMBINI AAMA ROSEI(Collection of recipes)

Volume - 1First Edition: 2007Forth Edition: 2017


ISBN 978-81-920553-9-8



ISBN 978-81-920553-2-9



ISBN 978-93-85350-04-07

A very popular section in the most popular monthly of Odisha. 'The Kadambini' is itsrecipe section. In past seventeen years the magazine has published many recipes inits pages. The range is vast. From Khichdi to Biriyani, cake to piza and from Idli tochowmin, it has published almost all the dishes that are seen in India homes. Allthese recipes are edited and compiled by Dr. Samanta in 3 volumes; Kadambini AmaRosei 1st part, Kadambini Ama Rosei 2nd part and Kadambini Ama Rosei 3rd part. Thesebooks are published through Kadambini Media Pvt. Ltd.

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Feature Film

KATHANTARA(Another Story, 2005)

Producer: Dr. Iti Samanta

Film is the most powerful medium of expression.Kadambini Media Pvt. Ltd. has stepped into films with itsdebut production ‘Kathantara’ (Another Story) Directedby Himansu Khatua based on the aftermath tragedy ofSuper-cyclone. The Protagonist of the film, Kalpana asecond generation refugee from East Bengal struggles afterlosing her husband and family in the 1999 Super-Cyclone.Deepankar a TV reporter from Bangladesh offers to marrythe young widow. But Kalpana turns down the offer whichneeds moving out to the land of their forefathers. Shestays back in her adopted homeland despite seriousadversities including deportation threat. Kalpana fightsback for her birthright.

Filmography

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Awards:

Silver lotus for Best Oriya Feature Film- 53rd National FilmAward – 2006

8 nos. Odisha State Film Awards – 2005 :1. Mohan Sundar Dev Goswami Award for Best Feature Film2. Best Director3. Best Story4. Best Supporting Actor5. Best Supporting Actress6. Best Music7. Best Cinematography8. Best Audiography

Best Actress Award – Cine India International Film Festival

On receiving National Film Awardfrom Hon’ble Dr. Prativa Patil, former President of India

On receiving Odisha State Film Awardfrom Hon’ble Rameswar Thakur, former Governor of Odisha

Highly acclaimed in several Film Festivals: 5th Asian Film Festival, Mumbai on October (12-19) 2006. 12th Kolkata Film Festival, Kolkata on 17th November

2006. 11th International Film Festival, Kerala on 13th December

2006. 4th Cine India International Film Festival, Noida, UP on

28th FEB 2007. 1st Hyderabad International Film Festival, Hyderabad on

27th March 2007. Indian Film Festival (‘Bollywood and beyond’) in

Stuttgart, Germany on 15th July, 2007. South Asian Film Festival, Bangladesh, 2007.

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She is the proverbial daughter-in-law that anyone could aspire for. In a family of half a dozenindividuals, the entire home-front is taken care of by her with diligence and compassion. Apartfrom the elderly parents-in-law and two primary school-going children; a boy and a girl, Pratignya,in her early thirties has the onerous task to reform her unscrupulous husband, Abhay, the localSarpanch. A typical male chauvinist, he is inclined to heckle, hector and even manhandle his wife.Pratignya tends to take everything in her stride.‘Krantidhara’ (Coup de Grace, 2014) deals with the travails of a much-harried yet considerationhousewife, but through realistic presentation as opposed to the hackneyed, stereotyped portrayals.

Feature Film

Krantidhara(Coup de Grace, 2014)

Based on the story‘Jhadaparara Surya’by Dr. Iti Samanta

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Awards: 3 nos. Odisha State Film Awards – 2014:

1. Mohan Sundar Dev Goswami Award for Best Feature Film2. Best Story Award to Iti Samanta3. Best Actress

Asian Excellent Film Award - 2019 (International Federationof Film Industry Dev., Seoul, Korea)

‘Krantidhara’ has also participated and highly acclaimed inmany international film festivals; like: 7 th BengaluruInternational Film Festival-2014 (competitive section),Bengaluru; 12th Chennai International Film Festival-2014 (IndianPanorama Section), Chennai; 13th Third Eye Asian Film Festival-2015, Mumbai; Indian Film Festival of Los Angeles; MelbourneInternational Film Festival; Berlin International Film Festival;Cineport International Film Festival and many more.

On receiving Odisha State Film Award for Best Feature Film

On receiving Odisha State Film Award for Best Story

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Short Film:‘Kahani Nuhen’ (Not a fiction)

Short Film ‘Kahani Nuhen’ which is produced by Dr. Iti Samanta receivedthe Best Tele Film Award-2013 from the Culture Department, Govt. ofOdisha. The film is based on her own story.

Tele Film:‘Taapoi’

Tele film 'Taapoi' which was directed and produced by Dr. Iti Samantareceived a state award in acting category and appreciated by audienceand critics.

Educational Film:‘Chithhi’ & ‘Kanyaaratna’

Dr. Iti Samanta has also produced and directed two educational filmstitled ‘Chithhi’ & ‘Kanyaaratna’.

Play:‘Kaanta-Kaantaa’

A play titiled ‘Kaanta-Kaantaa’ has been staged adopted from theoriginal short story written by Dr. Iti Samanta, liked and praised bycritic in large.

CDs and Audio-Video Documentary:

Making of many music CDs and audio-video documentaries for Govt.of Odisha.On receiving Odisha State Film Award for Best Telefilm

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Television Programme

Concept and Producer: Dr. Iti Samanta

‘Bhinna Manisha Bhinna Katha’ (An unique television series on lives of Transgenders) ‘Kadambini Ama Patrika’ (A weekly literary television magazine) ‘Kahani Gita Pachhara’ (The untold story behind popular Odia songs) ‘Katha Apanka Pasandara’ (A television show to know celebrities of various fields through their favourable choices) ‘Glamour Lane’ (A television show on the glamour world of cinema and television) ‘Chit Chat’ (An intimate gossip between two celebrity actors)

Also Dr. Iti Samanta produced several Documentary, Promotional Films and many Audio and Video programmes andMusic CDs.

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Social ResponsibilityModel VillageInspired by her brother Dr. Achyuta Samanta, she actively involved herselfin reforming her native village Kalarabank to a model village, which was adream project of her mother Nilimarani. Dr. Achyuta Samanta, the Founderof Nilimarani Charitable Trust has nominated her as the managing trusteeto implement their mother’s nobel initiative. Presently she is managing twoschools: Kalinga English Medium School and Kalarabanka High School,Temple Complex, Rural Hospital, Library and Community Centre at her villageKalarabank She is instrumental in organising rural women folks of nearbyvillages, who came forward to form women self help groups for theireconomic and social empowerment. She has also united local youths totake up developmental and cultural works of village. Now the smart villageestabelished by Dr. Achyuta Samanta and managed by her has got all cityamenities like free Wi-Fi service, quality education, mobile connectivity,Post Office, Banking facilities, drinking water and black top roads.

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Towards TransgenderCommunityAlong with her great socialresponsibility, she is continuouslyworking for the growth, promotionand enhancement of thetransgender community. She alsoworked for encouraging them andto change the mind set of societytowards the community oftransgender. In this respect shepublished an exceptional coverageregarding all aspects of transgenderin her ‘The Kadambini’ magazine

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containing 150 pages. Subsequently to bring the actual story and struggle behind atransgender life, she also launched a special programme 'Bhinna Manisha Bhinna Katha'through her media house Kadambini Media Pvt. Ltd. Acharya Mahamandaleswar Mx. LaxmiNarayan Tripathy Said- “The programme ‘Bhinna Manisha Bhinna Katha' is not only in Indiabut in whole world this is one kind of a series. It is history in making.” Dr. Samanta also workregarding Women related issues and down-trodden people who are really needy.

She has done research on lives of many transgenders, conceptualised and produced anunique TV show 'Bhinna Manisha Bhinna Katha' which is successfully running on KalingaTV since 2nd July 2018. This programme is well appreciated by all section of viewers and ithas got maximum reach through Kalinga TV YouTube.

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Other ActivitiesDr. Itirani Samanta has been holding many important and responsible positions in the government,public and private bodies such as:

• Member, Central Board of Film Certification (CBFC), Ministry of I & B, Govt. of India

• Jury member, Odisha State Film Award Committee - 2007

• Jury member, Tarang Cine Award Committee - 2010, 2012

• Member, General Council, Odisha Sahitya Academy, Bhubaneswar, 2011-2013

• Member, Post Forum, Postal Dept., Odisha

• She has participated in many television shows, broadcast programmes as an expert and presenteron Literature, gender related issues.

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Awards and Achievements

For Excellence in Editing:• Bagmi Biswanath Kar Sampadana Samman - 2019, Utkal Sahitya Samaja• Asimaloka Samman - 2019• Amari Bhasa Pathe Samma-n - 2016 (The Intellects, New Delhi)• Duradarshi Samman - 2016• Roopnagar Mayanagaree Award - 2016 (Best Family Magazine of Odisha)• Best Editor Samman - 2016, Nimapada Sahitya Sansad• Manthan Juba Sampadika Samman - 2010• Rajiv Gandhi Sadbhabana Award - 2008 (as Best Woman Editor)• Rajiv Gandhi Sadbhabana Award - 2007 (Best Editor)• Prananatha Samman - 2006 (Best Editor)• Special Felicitation for Editing - 2006 (Lions Club, Bhubaneswar Lotus)• Best Editor Award - 2004 (State Social Welfare Advisory Board, Bhubaneswar)• Kathaa Journal Award - 2004 (New Delhi)• Rajiv Gandhi Award - 2002 (Best Woman Editor)• Smrutilipi Best Editor Samman - 2002• Avinandanika Award - 2001 (Magazine Editing)• Aashraya Award - 2001 (Best Editor)• Badadanda Best Editor Samman - 2001• Best Editor Award - 2001, Lions Club, Bhubaneswar

For Creative Writing:• Rajadhani Pustak Mela Puraskar - 2019 (for novel ‘Shakuntalara Jhia’)• Shrestha Saraswata Sadhaka Samman - 2019 (Kathakalika Writer’s Meet)• Kabi Chakrabarti Brajanath Badajena Saraswata Samman - 2018• Bhanja Bharati Jayadev Sarangi Memorial Award - 2017• Ama Bhubaneswar Samman - 2017• Padmavati Award - 2016

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• Utkal Prativa Samman - 2016• Prativa Samman - 2016• Utkalamani Prativa Samman - 2016• Odia Sahitya Samman - 2016• Akshaya Mohanty Sahitya Samman - 2013• Rajadhani Pustak Mela Puraskar - 2013 (for story collection ‘Iti Tora Lipsa’)• Dhanaphula Sahitya Samman - 2013• Chinta & Chetana Rastriya Award - 2002

For Drama:• Manana Samman - 2016, Manana Natya Santha

For Entrepreneur:• Best Women Entrepreneur - 2014 by 92.7 BIG FM

For Overall Performances:• Heavenly Horse Cultural Award from Mongolian Academy of Culture - 2019

(Cultural Award for Outstanding Contribution to World Arts and Culture)• Bhavan’s Samman Odisha - 2019 from Bharatiya Vidya Bhavan• Dr. Lipi Hembram Smaraki Samman - 2019, Dr. Lipi Hembram Smruti Parishad

and PG Department of Odia, Utkal University, Bhubaneswar• Balighara Saraswata Prativa Samman - 2019• Agami Odisha Sambardhita Prativa - 2019• Support Samman - 2018• Nilachakra Samman - 2016, Chinta O Chetana, Bhubaneswar• Odisha Youth Inspiration Award - 2015• SCART Nabaratna Award - 2015• Punyaprabha Geeti Gourab Samman - 2015• Sakala Samman - 2014• Shrestha Odiani Samman - 2009• Tundabaida Samman - 2008• Manjubala Smruti Samman - 2006• Rajib Sena Award - 2004

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• Professional Excellency Award - 2004 (All India Small and Medium NewspaperEditors, Odisha Branch)

• Rajiv Gandhi Sadbhawana Award - 2003 (Best family feature magazine ‘Kadambini’)• Dhwani Pratidhwani Samman - 2003• Best Women Samman - 2003

For Cinema:• National Award for Best Film production (Rajat Kamal) - 2006 (for ‘Kathantara’)• Mohan Sundar Deb Goswami Award - 2005 (Odisha State Film Award for best

film 'Kathantara')• Mohan Sundar Deb Goswami Award - 2014 (Odisha State Film Award for best

feature film 'Krantidhara')• Odisha State Film Award for Best Story Writer - 2014 (for 'Krantidhara')• Odisha State Tele Film Award for Best Tele Film - 2013 (for ‘Kahani Nuhen’)• Best Story Writer Award for ‘Krantidhara’ - 2016, ChalachitraJagat• Best Story Writer Award for ‘Krantidhara’ - 2016, Cinema Sansar• Best Story Writer Award for ‘Krantidhara’ - 2016, Odia Film fair Award• Best Creative Title Award for ‘Krantidhara’ - 2016, Odia Film fair Award• National Cine Ratna Award - 2016 & 2017• Chalachitra Jagat Pratibha Samman - 2007 for award-winning films ‘Kathaantara’• Chinta O Chetana Award - 2007 for Best Film Production• Roopnagar Mayanagaree Award - 2016 (Best Film of Year 2015)• Chitrapuri Award - 2006• Big Screen Big Star Entertainment Award - 2016 (for 'Krantidhara')• Asian Excellent Film Award - 2019 from International Federation of Film Industry

Dev., Seoul, Korea (for ‘Krantidhara’)• Odisha State Special Jury Film Award - 2018 (for Documentary Film ‘Kahe Ballav’)• For producing award-winning Odia movies she has been felicitated in many

places such as at Bangalore, Chennai etc... etc...

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Residence: Nilima Nilaya, 421/2359, Padmabati Vihar, Sailashree Vihar, Bhubaneswar - 751 021, OdishaCell: +91 9437014119 / 9937220229, E-mail: [email protected]

Office: Kadambini Villa, 421/2358, Padmabati Vihar, Sailashree Vihar, Bhubaneswar - 751 021, OdishaTel: +91 7328841932 / 7328841933, 0674-2740519 / 2741260, E-mail: [email protected]

Website: https://itisamanta.com & https://kadambini.org

Wikipedia: https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Itirani_Samanta

Facebook Page: https://www.facebook.com/ItiraniSamantaOfficial

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/itiranisamanta

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