Bhubaneswar, Jan 14: Eminent literature scholar and researcher Dr Nrusingha Charan Sarangi was conferred with the prestigious Vyasa Kabi Fakir Mohan Odia Bhasha Samman–2021 by the Odia Language, Literature and Culture Department.

The award was presented by Culture Minister Suryabanshi Sura, at a programme organised at the Odisha Research Centre on the occasion of the birth anniversary of legendary litterateur Vyasa Kabi Fakir Mohan Senapati.

Dr Sarangi was honoured in recognition of his distinguished contribution to Odia language and literature, his sustained academic research and his significant literary works. As part of the honour, he received a cash award of Rs 5 lakh.

Addressing the gathering, Suryabanshi Suraj paid floral tributes to Fakir Mohan Senapati and congratulated Dr Sarangi on receiving the honour.

In his address, Suraj said, “Vyasa Kabi Fakir Mohan Senapati laid the foundation of modern Odia literature by giving voice to social realities and the lived experiences of the people. His writings continue to guide and inspire generations of readers and scholars. Fakir Mohan’s contribution ensured the vitality of the Odia literature and his literary legacy remains deeply relevant even today".

In his acceptance speech, Dr Nrusingha Charan Sarangi reflected on the enduring influence of Fakir Mohan Senapati’s literary works, stating that they have been a constant source of inspiration for his academic journey. He also spoke on his comparative research on Nathaniel Hawthorne’s "The House of the Seven Gables" and Fakir Mohan Senapati’s "Chha Mana Atha Guntha".

Dr Sarangi expressed his gratitude to the Odisha Sahitya Akademi and the Odia Language, Literature and Culture Department for the honour.

On the occasion, the Odisha Sahitya Akademi released two publications—“Rajakabi Gobindabhanja Granthabali” and “Sahityika Janaki Ballabha Mohanty (Bharadwaj)”. Students of Utkal University of Culture presented a chorus music performance during the programme.

Noted writer and novelist Shantanu Acharya, Secretary of the Odia Language, Literature and Culture Department Dr. Bijay Ketan Upadhyay, Special Secretary Deba Prasad Dash and Secretary of the Odisha Sahitya Akademi Dr. Chandrasekhar Hota were present on the occasion.