Bhubaneswar, Feb. 9: When many whine about the declining readership of Odia literature, poets, short story writers and novelists from small towns seem to be full of hope and optimism.

Over 600 writers from 170 blocks of the state assembled to share their experiences as authors and readers at the literary meet, hosted at a Jayadev Vihar hotel by one Sahitya Ghara, a literary group that has centres at each of the participating blocks.

The enthusiasm among the participants was evident from the applause for every poem recited. From septuagenarians to young college-goers, the assembly included all those who love writing, and at times, even without expecting appreciation of the readers.

"I have been writing since the age of 10 as a schoolgirl. Earlier, there had been many more state-level magazines and they used to ask for contribution of articles from the readers. But now, there are a few magazines that are circulated in a few towns, and hence, my poems have little readership. Yet, the pleasure of writing in itself is enough reward," said Sanghamitra Rath, a 40-year-old schoolteacher from Buguda in Ganjam district.

"When you can write, you must," said another writer, a 60-year-old retired government employee from Ersama in Jagatsinghpur district, Hrushikesh Jena, who has been writing since 1980.

Many well-known authors attended the event as well. "This is a very impressive gathering of writers from interiors and is better than the literary meets, where a handful of famous names get a chance to speak," said prominent poet Ramakant Rath.

"It was in Utkal Sammilani in 1903 that such a huge gathering of writers had been seen last," he said.

"As many as 465 poems were recited at the event. There have also been discussions on challenges faced by the Odia publishing industry and ways to increase readership," said state co-ordinator Subhashree Lenka.

"We had expected 500 participants, but there were 625 writers, who came down to join the meet. The response has been overwhelming," she said.

Later in the evening, well-known Marathi litterateur Bhalchandra Nemade and Malayali writer C. Radhakrishnan were present during an award ceremony, where 10 first-time writers were felicitated.