Bhubaneswar, Feb 3: Professor, linguist, social scientist, and author Padma Shri Debi Prasanna Pattanayak was conferred with the first World Odia Language Award today by Odisha chief minister Naveen Patnaik in the first Biswa Odia Bhasa Sammilani (World Odia Language Conference) for his extensive study and research and his unique service to language and literature.
Pattanayak received Rs 20 lakh and citation as part of the award at the grand three-day event at Janata Maidan here.
Pattanayak joyfully shared his happiness upon receiving the honor, emphasizing the significance of the award bestowed upon him for his native language. He expressed that it is a cherished recognition for not only himself but also for the language, culture, and traditions he holds.
Earlier, he was also awarded Padma Shri in 1987. He played a major role in the Odia language acquiring classical language.
