Bhubaneswar: An inspiration helps you become a good writer, says veteran writer Manoj Das.

"Uninspired writing can be sensational for the time being but it will not make a long-term impact," said the writer speaking at the Tata Steel Bhubaneswar Literary Meet that began on Thursday.

Speaking on the present generation, he said: "They are bound to technology and gradually, creative inspiration is losing its sheen."

"This is the age of confusion with so many people having so many opinions. We have to get back our self-confidence," he said.

Mark Tully and Ruskin Bond, in conversation with Subroto Bagchi, chronicled how the country had evolved in the last 70 years.

A large number of school and college students were present at the event. "I came here to listen to Ruskin Bond who has been my idol since childhood. I also got a chance to click a picture with him and get a book autographed," said A.U. Kirti, a student of Prabhujee English Medium School, Bhubaneswar.

Although Bond admitted to being a reclusive person, the enthusiasm among the students got him grooving with the crowd.

"I have been a very reluctant participant in literature fests. Times have changed and authors are expected to come out and sell themselves. But, I don't mind that and like having readers around me," he said.

During the three-day event, prominent writers such as Kiran Nagarkar, Pratibha Satpathy, Prayaag Akbar and Paramita Satpathy will speak.

Actress and film-maker Nandita Das will be present to showcase parts of her upcoming biopic of writer Saadat Hasan Manto.

Among the cultural presentations include Short Film Matinee, featuring critically acclaimed films, a performance by the renowned dancer Anita Ratnam.

The fest will also feature the best of contemporary Odia literature with the likes of Sahitya Akademi award winners Paramita Satpathy, Ramachandra Behera, Jatindra Nayak and Gourhari Das.