Noted Odia poet Dr Ashutosh Parida conferred 47th Sarala Puraskar
Guru Durga Charan Ranbir, sculptor Damodar Behera receive Kala Samman
By Nalini Sahu
Bhubaneswar, Oct. 25: Noted Odia poet Dr Ashutosh Parida was conferred the 47th Sarala Puraskar for his acclaimed poetry collection Bishwas De Pruthwi at a ceremony here on Sunday.
Instituted by the Indian Metals Public Charitable Trust (IMPaCT), the award recognises outstanding literary achievement in Odia and carries Rs 7 lakh, a copper plaque and a citation. Renowned lyricist, poet and novelist R. Vairamuthu presented the award. The winning collection was published by Parabha Publication.
Eminent Odissi exponent Guru Durga Charan Ranbir and noted sculptor and art educator Damodar Behera were honoured with the Ila-Bansidhar Panda Kala Samman for their lifetime contributions to the performing and visual arts, respectively. Each received Rs 2.5 lakh, a copper plaque and a citation.
Presiding over the ceremony, IMPaCT trustee Paramita Panda congratulated Dr Parida, describing Bishwas De Pruthwi as a profound reflection on contemporary realities. She noted that social realities had consistently remained central to the poet’s literary expression.
Panda said IMPaCT remained committed to nurturing Odia literature, music and art. She expressed hope that the achievements of the awardees would inspire younger generations to preserve and carry forward Odisha’s rich cultural heritage.
In his keynote address, Vairamuthu underscored the importance of protecting mother tongues and preserving cultural continuity.
“Language is a culture, and it lives in continuity with other cultures. One’s mother tongue is one’s identity. People must protect their language. When a language gains strength, its boundaries expand,” he said.
Paying tribute to the late Dr Bansidhar Panda and the late Ila Panda, Vairamuthu acknowledged their contribution to nurturing and preserving the region’s cultural legacy.
The Sarala Puraskar, named after 15th-century Odia poet Sarala Das, is among Odisha’s prominent literary honours.
Photograph: Noted Odia poet Dr Ashutosh Parida (second from left) receives the Sarala Puraskar from poet and novelist R. Vairamuthu. Also seen are writer Pratibha Ray (left) and IMPaCT trustee Paramita Panda (right).
