Renowned Odia poet and former scientist Ashutosh Parida has been selected for the prestigious Sarala Puraskar for his inspiring poetry collection 'Bishwas De Pruthwi'.

  • Poet Ashutosh Parida wins the Sarala Puraskar for 'Bishwas De Pruthwi'.
  • The award includes ā‚¹7 lakh, a citation, and a copper plaque.
  • Ceremony scheduled for October 25 in Bhubaneswar.
  • Odissi Maestro Guru Durga Charan Ranbir receives the Ila-Bansidhar Panda Kala Samman.

In a significant recognition for the Odia literary community, acclaimed poet, essayist, and former scientist at CSIR-IMMT, Ashutosh Parida, has been named the recipient of this year's prestigious Sarala Puraskar. The annual literary award is conferred by the Indian Metals Public Charitable Trust (IMPaCT), the philanthropic arm of the Odisha-based industrial giant Indian Metals and Ferro Alloys Ltd (IMFA).

The award recognizes Parida's profound contribution through his poetry collection 'Bishwas De Pruthwi', published by Prabha Publication in 2024. The collection was lauded by the IMPaCT judging committee as an inspiring compendium of modern Odia verse.

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The Award Ceremony

According to an official statement from IMFA, the formal award ceremony is set to take place in Bhubaneswar on October 25. During the event, Ashutosh Parida will be presented with a formal citation, a commemorative copper plaque, and a cash prize of ā‚¹7 lakh.

The selection process for the 2026 awards was highly competitive, featuring a diverse array of literary forms including poetry (Kabita), stories (Galpa), novels (Upanyasa), and drama (Natak). Seven exceptional works reached the final judging round, including titles by Aparna Mohanty, Padmaja Pal, Archana Nayak, Bijay Nayak, Prakash Mahapatra, and Ramesh Prasad Panigrahi.

Why This Matters

BozokMedia analysis shows that the Sarala Puraskar serves as a vital pillar in sustaining the linguistic and cultural identity of Odisha. By honoring individuals like Paridaā€”who transitioned from a scientific career to literary excellenceā€”the award highlights the multifaceted nature of intellectual achievement in the modern era.

Literary accolades like the Sarala Puraskar are essential for preserving the soul of regional languages in a globalized world.

Furthermore, the announcement included the 'Ila-Bansidhar Panda Kala Samman', awarded for lifetime excellence in art. This year, the honor goes to renowned Odissi Maestro Guru Durga Charan Ranbir and celebrated sculptor and art educator Shri Damodar Behera.

Frequently Asked Questions

1. Who awards the Sarala Puraskar?
The award is presented by the Indian Metals Public Charitable Trust (IMPaCT).

2. What is the prize for the Sarala Puraskar?
The winner receives a citation, a copper plaque, and a monetary award of ā‚¹7 lakh.

Did You Know?: The Sarala Puraskar is named after Sarala Das, the legendary 15th-century Odia poet known as the 'Adikabi' of Odisha.