Indus Valley Times

By Priya Mohapatra

Bhubaneswar, Oct. 31: Celebrated feminist author Sarojini Sahoo has been awarded the prestigious Sarala Puraskar for 2024, Odisha’s foremost literary honor established by the Indian Metals Public Charitable Trust (IMPaCT), a charitable arm of IMFA.

Sahoo received this recognition for her novel ‘Asthira Pada,’ published in 2019, which explores themes of women’s identity and resilience in contemporary society. The award, presented by IMPaCT trustee Paramita Panda and chief guest Devdas Chhotray, included a citation, a trophy, and a Rs 7 lakh cash prize.

“This is not only encouraging but a proud moment for a writer to receive this recognition from her homeland,” Sahoo said. Known for her strong voice on gender and social justice, Sahoo has long been a champion for women’s rights and an impactful figure in Odia literature.

The Sarala Puraskar was founded in 1980 by Odia industrialist Dr. Bansidhar Panda and his wife, Ila Panda, and has consistently honored the state’s literary talent for the last 45 years. The award’s significance and the increased cash prize reflect IMFA’s ongoing commitment to supporting Odia art and culture.

In addition to Sahoo, renowned sculptor Sudarshan Sahoo and singer Tansen Singh received the Ila-Bansidhar Panda Kala Samman for their lifetime contributions to art. Both were presented with a citation and a Rs 2.5 lakh cash award. “I am deeply grateful for this recognition and hope to continue singing for as long as I live,” Singh shared.

Paramita Panda expressed her pride in the legacy of the Sarala Puraskar, saying, “We are thrilled to be part of this milestone journey, which has grown to become one of Odisha’s most respected honors.”

The event highlighted Odisha’s vibrant cultural heritage, bringing together talents from literature, music, and art and celebrating the state’s dedication to fostering artistic excellence for generations to come.

———–

Photograph: Sarojini Sahoo (Centre) receiving Sarala Puraskar.