Cuttack, July 15: President Droupadi Murmu today presented the prestigious Kalinga Ratna Award 2024 to Union Education Minister Dharmendra Pradhan at a ceremony organized by the Sarala Sahitya Sansad in Cuttack.

Pradhan expressed his heartfelt gratitude, calling the moment “indescribable.” He said receiving the award from President Murmu was a deeply emotional and proud occasion, especially as an Odia. 

“This award is not just mine—it belongs to every Odia,” he posted on X.

He thanked President Murmu, the Sarala Sahitya Sansad, and the Selection Committee for considering him worthy of such a prestigious honour. 

In a post, he said:“To be honoured with the esteemed Kalinga Ratna-2024 by the Hon’ble President of India, Smt. Droupadi Murmu, is a moment of immense pride and emotion for me. As an Odia, this is a great honour—beyond words to express. This recognition is not mine alone, but belongs to every Odia. I express my deep gratitude to the Hon’ble President, the Sarala Sahitya Sansad, and the Selection Committee for considering me worthy of this honour. Today will always remain a cherished day in my social and political journey.”

The Kalinga Ratna Award is one of Odisha’s most esteemed honours, given to individuals who have made remarkable contributions at the national or international level across diverse fields.

Today’s ceremony also marked the celebration of the 600th birth anniversary of Adikabi Sarala Das, the legendary 15th-century Odia poet and literary figure.

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