Dr Ashutosh Parida bags Sarala Puraskar for Odia poetry

Noted Odia poet, essayist, and former CSIR-IMMT scientist Dr Ashutosh Parida will receive the prestigious 47th Sarala Puraskar for his outstanding literary contributions. His acclaimed poetry collection, ‘Bishwas De Pruthwi’, published by Prabha Publication in 2024, earned him this highly respected honor. He will receive a cash prize of Rupees Seven Lakhs, along with a formal citation and a beautifully crafted copper plaque. Organisers will present this award during a dedicated cultural ceremony in Bhubaneswar on October 25. Established by Mrs. Ila Panda and Dr. Bansidhar Panda in 1980, the Indian Metals Public Charitable Trust (IMPaCT) has consistently championed Odia literature and local heritage, making this award a major highlight of the state's cultural calendar.

Rigorous Selection Process For Odia Books

Seven remarkable books successfully reached the final judging round this year. These titles included ‘Aparna Mohanty ka Payeen Kabita’ by Aparna Mohanty, ‘Dahana Pada Bama Pada’ by Padmaja Pal, and ‘Sita’ by Archana Nayak. Other strong contenders were ‘Mayabarta’ by Bijay Nayak, ‘Mokhya Mudra’ by Prakash Mahapatra, and ‘Kabi ka Naam Bedbyash’ by Ramesh Prasad Panigrahi. The nominated works spanned diverse literary categories, ranging from poetry and short stories to full-length novels and traditional drama.

Dedicated committee members carefully managed the initial evaluations. This shortlisting group included Dr Indira Dash, Mrs. Pratiksha Jena, Shri Amiya Bej, Shri Pradip Kumar Panda, and Shri Abhay Nayak. Following this step, a distinguished jury made the final binding decision. Dr Sucheta Mishra, Dr Hrushikesh Mallick, Shri Sangram Jena, Mrs Swapna Mishra, Prof. Dr. Natabar Satapathy, Dr. Sarojini Sahoo, and Shri Ajay Kumar Mohapatra served on this esteemed panel.

Honoring Excellence in Visual and Performing Arts

IMPaCT also proudly announced the winners for the ‘Ila-Bansidhar Panda Kala Samman’ for the year 2026. This specific award honors lifetime excellence in regional art forms. Odissi maestro and Padma Shri awardee Guru Durga Charan Ranbir will receive this recognition alongside talented sculptor and art educator Shri Damodar Behera. Both artistic luminaries will secure a cash prize of Rupees Two Lakhs Fifty Thousand each, plus a citation and copper plaque.

Guru Durga Charan Ranbir (top) and Shri Damodar Behera

Experts from various artistic fields diligently selected these winners. Guru Puspita Mishra, Dr Nazia Alam, and Suramani Abhiram Nanda judged the performing arts category. Meanwhile, Mrs Panchami Manoo Ukil, Mrs. Sangita Patnaik, and Shri Veejayant Kumar Dash carefully evaluated the visual arts section. IMPaCT continues its deep cultural mission across Odisha, much like it did when successfully launching the renowned Ekalabya Puraskar for sports development back in 1993.