Bhubaneswar, Oct 27: Eminent poet and writer Devdas Chhotray was awarded this year’s prestigious Sarala Puraskar at a grand literary ceremony held in Bhubaneswar on Sunday.

The 46th edition of the esteemed award, instituted by the Indian Metals Charitable Trust (IMPaCT) to recognize exceptional literary achievements, honored Chhotray for his celebrated short-story collection Matinee Show and his significant contributions to Odia literature and music.

The award was presented by Prof. Savita Singh, a prominent Hindi poet and writer, in the presence of Paramita Panda, Trustee of IMPaCT. Chhotray was bestowed with a copper plaque, a citation, a cash prize of Rs 7 lakh, and an uttariya (shawl).

In addition, renowned painter Baladev Maharatha and eminent Odissi music guru Ramhari Das were honored with the Ila-Bansidhar Panda Kala Samman for their lifetime excellence in art. Both Maharatha and Das received Rs 2.5 lakh each, along with a citation and plaque.