the bi-monthly magazine shaakhsaar was launched from cuttack in june-july 1965. its editor was amjad najmi, and the advisory board included syed hurmat-ul-ikram, mazhar imam, karamat ali karamat, and hafizullah newalpuri. amjad najmi wrote the editorial under the title "naqsh-e-awwal". shaakhsaar not only kept urdu alive in odisha but also introduced the urdu language to the trends and attitudes of contemporary odia literature. its influence was not confined to odisha but extended to far-off regions, earning it recognition among the prestigious literary magazines. it was not just a magazine from odisha but played a pioneering role in defining the contours of modernism. shaakhsaar published articles on significant literary topics, engaged in critical discussions, and also featured odia literary works. this unique aspect greatly enhanced the magazine's value and significance.