Awards and Honours of Odisha

Odisha, a culturally rich state in India, recognizes and honors outstanding individuals through a variety of awards in fields such as bravery, literature, art, social service, and national achievements. These awards celebrate the contributions of eminent personalities to society and serve as an inspiration for future generations.

Learning Outcomes:

1. Recognize the different awards and honors bestowed by the Odisha state government.
2. Identify the various fields and disciplines in which these awards are presented.
3. Understand the significance and recipients of national-level awards from Odisha.

Bravery Award

Biju Patnaik Bravery Award

This award, instituted by the Odisha Sports and Youth Services Department in 2014-15, acknowledges acts of bravery and gallantry by individuals, regardless of age or origin. It includes a cash reward of INR 1 lakh, a silver medal, and a scroll. For 2017, it was awarded to Harish Chandra Hilaal and Mohan Garada.

Literary Awards

Sarala Samman Award

Founded by the Sarala Sahitya Sansad in 1983, this award commemorates Sarala Das, the first Odia poet. It is presented to distinguished Odia litterateurs. In 2018, Shatrughan Pandav received the award for his poem collection, Mishra Dhrupada, along with a citation and a cash prize of INR 5 lakh.

Atibadi Jagannath Das Award

The highest literary award in Odisha, established by the Odisha Sahitya Academy in 1993, is presented for lifetime contributions to Odia literature. The first recipient was Radha Mohan Gadnayak in 1993. In 2018, the award went to Ramakanta Rath.

Odisha Sahitya Akademy Award

Established in 1957, the Odisha Sahitya Akademy confers awards in diverse categories like novel, short story, drama, essay, and poetry. In 2017, awards were given to several authors for their works published in 2014, including Indira Dash for the novel Nirbana Abhisara and Bijay Kumar Nanda for drama.

Note: These awards were announced in 2017.

Kalinga Literary Festival Awards

The Kalinga Literary Festival, an annual event in Bhubaneswar, Odisha, was established in 2014 by Rashmi Ranjan Parida to celebrate the classical status of the Odia language. Organized by the Odisha Diary Foundation, it presents several prestigious awards:

1. Kalinga Literary Award: For lifetime contribution to Odia literature; the 2018 recipient was Padmaj Pal.
2. Kalinga International Literary Award: Honors global impact in a non-Odia language; awarded to Amish Tripathi in 2018.
3. Kalinga Karubaki Award: Recognizes exceptional women leaders in literature; in 2018, Ambassador Nirupama Rao was the recipient.

State Award for Social Service

The Odisha Sports and Youth Services Department confers this award to individuals contributing to societal welfare. Shri Panchanan Gantayet (2016) and Sh. Ashok Kumar Sahu (2014) are notable recipients.

National Awardees from Odisha

Sahitya Akademi Awardees

This award is conferred by India’s National Academy of Letters in 24 recognized languages, making it the second highest literary honor in India. Numerous Odia litterateurs have been recipients:

• 2018: Dasarathi Das for Prasanga Puruna Bhabana Nua (Literary Essays)
• 2017: Gayatri Saraf for Etavatira Shilpi (Short Stories)
• 2016: Paramita Satpathy for Prapti (Novel)

Important Note: The Sahitya Akademi Translation Award honors translations of significant works into the Odia language, emphasizing cross-cultural literary exchange.

Jnanpith Awardees from Odisha

Jnanpith, India’s highest literary award, recognizes outstanding contributions to literature. Only four Odia personalities have received this award:

1. Pratibha Ray (2011) – Novels
2. Sitakant Mahapatra (1993) – Poetry (Sabdar Akash)
3. Sachidananda Routray (1986) – Poetry (Pallisri)
4. Gopinath Mohanty (1973) – Novel (Amrutara Sontana)

Sangeet Natak Akademi Awardees

India’s National Academy of Music, Dance, and Drama instituted this award in 1952 to honor practicing artists. It includes categories like music, dance, theatre, and traditional arts. Recipients from Odisha include:

1. Sujata Mohapatra (2017) – Odissi Dance
2. Satyabrata Raut (2016) – Theatre (Direction)
3. Gopal Chandra Panda (2011) – Odissi Music

Civilian Awards in India

Padma Vibhushan Awardees of Odisha

The Padma Vibhushan, India’s second-highest civilian award, honors exceptional service. Odisha’s recipients include:

1. Shri Raghunath Mohapatra (2013) – Art
2. Dr. Sitakanta Mohapatra (2011) – Literature and Education
3. Guru Kelu Charan Mohapatra (2000) – Art

Padma Bhushan Awardees of Odisha

The Padma Bhushan, the third-highest civilian award in India, is given for distinguished service of high order. Odisha’s recipients include:

1. Shri Ramakanta Rath (2006) – Literature and Education
2. Dr. Sitakanta Mohapatra (2003) – Literature and Education
3. Shri Raghunath Mohapatra (2001) – Art

Padma Shri Awardees of Odisha

The Padma Shri, India’s fourth-highest civilian award, acknowledges contributions in various fields. Prominent awardees include:

• Daitari Naik (2019) – Social Work
• Kamala Pujhari (2019) – Others
• Nila Madhab Panda (2016) – Film Making

Concept: The Padma Awards – Vibhushan, Bhushan, and Shri – signify India’s recognition of outstanding achievements across diverse fields.

Quick Comparison of Key Awards

1961 | Indian Literature | Citation, INR 11 lakh, Bronze Replica|
| Padma Vibhushan | 1954 | Exceptional Service | Medal, Citation |

MCQ: Which is the highest literary award of Odisha?

1. Sahitya Akademi Award
2. Sarala Samman Award
3. Atibadi Jagannath Das Award
4. Kalinga Literary Award
   Answer: 3. Atibadi Jagannath Das Award