Bhubaneswar honours cultural champions at Fourth Pratima Memorial event
Bhubaneswar’s Geetagovinda Sadan turned into a vibrant hub of intellectual and cultural discourse during the Fourth Pratima Award Ceremony. Organised by the Pratima Foundation to honour the legacy of educationist and social worker Pratima Devi, the event celebrated individuals and groups dedicated to preserving Odisha’s diverse heritage.
Science education group Srujanika received the Pratima Shiksha Samman 2026. This recognition highlights their tireless work in digitising rare Odia literature and making it available via the Odia Bibhaba portal. Simultaneously, the Pratima Shilpi Samman 2026 was presented to Bidyadhar Mahanta, a master of Kotpad natural dye weaving, for keeping ancient textile traditions alive. Each awardee received a citation, a plaque, and a cash reward.
Traditional arts received a further boost with the debut of the Pratima Srujan Samman. Umesh Chandra Mahapatra, an artisan from Pipili, accepted this inaugural honor for his work in Chandua applique craft.
Dr. Gauranga Charan Dash delivered a captivating memorial lecture titled “Asmita Charcha: Chhaya Natak.” His analysis focused on Ravana Chhaya, Odisha’s unique shadow puppetry, comparing it with Indian theatre traditions to explore modern identity. This focus on Ravana Chhaya is particularly relevant as Odisha struggles to keep this rare shadow puppetry form from the Angul district active in the digital age.
Vision for Education
Chief Guest Professor Biswaranjan spoke on how educators like Pratima Devi shape societal progress. Guest of Honour Lopamudra Mohanty discussed the necessity of alternative learning systems. Managing Trustee Sumitra Parhi confirmed the foundation would host this gathering annually every May 4 to mark the founder's birth anniversary. Senior journalist Kedar Mishra presided over the session, which featured actress Madhumita Mohanty as the anchor. The evening concluded with a vote of thanks by Pabitra Mohan Kar, drawing a large crowd of city intellectuals and artists.
