We live in an age where technology touches nearly every facet of our lives. Among its many manifestations, Artificial Intelligence has emerged as a force that challenges our understanding of creativity, imagination, and expression. Literature—the voice of human emotion and experience—now finds itself poised at a fascinating crossroad.

For centuries, writers and poets have shaped minds, stirred hearts, and transformed societies through the power of the written word. Creativity springs from the depths of human experience—our joys, sorrows, hopes, and reflections. And yet, as AI begins to enter the realm of imagination, it prompts questions that are both exciting and profound: Can a machine truly mirror the depth of human feeling? Will creativity, in its truest essence, remain uniquely human? While AI can serve as a powerful tool to amplify our expression, the soul of literature—its inherent humanity—remains irreplaceable.

It is this delicate dialogue between culture, creativity, and technology that forms the heart of the 3rd SOA Literary Festival, to be held at Siksha ‘O’ Anusandhan (Deemed to be University), Bhubaneswar, on November 29–30, 2025. Organized by the SOA Centre for Preservation, Propagation, and Restoration of Ancient Culture and Heritage of India (PPRACHIN), the festival will bring together eminent literary voices from across the nation to share, debate and celebrate the transformative power of words.

I extend a warm welcome to all participants and hope that these two days in the city of temples will be filled with inspiration, reflection, and meaningful connections.

Prof. (Dr.) Gayatribala Panda
Head, PPRACHIN

Siksha ‘O’ Anusandhan Deemed to be University, Bhubaneswar