Bhubaneswar: Not ed Odia poet Ashutosh Parida was conferred the 47th Sarala Puraskar in recognition of his acclaimed poetry collection ‘Bishwas De Pruthwi’, published by Parabha Publication.
The award comprises a copper plaque, a citation and a cash award of Rs 7 lakh. The award is instituted by the Indian Metals Public Charitable Trust (IMPaCT) and awarded annually for the best literary achievement.
The award was presented by renowned Indian lyricist, poet and novelist R Vairamuthu, who joined as chief guest.
On the same occasion, legendary Odissi maestro Guru Durga Charan Ranbir and sculptor and art educator Damodar Behera were honoured with the Ila-Bansidhar Panda Kala Samman for lifetime excellence.
Each artist received a citation, a copper plaque and Rs 2.5 lakh. Presiding over the function, Trustee Paramita Panda congratulated Parida, describing ‘Bishwas De Pruthwi’ as a profound reflection on our times, and noted that the poet has always placed social reality at the heart of his work.
Reflecting on the award’s legacy, she said, “IMPaCT remains steadfast in its commitment to nurturing Odia literature, music and art.
It fills us with immense gratitude to honour the luminaries. We hope their journeys inspire our younger generation to cherish this heritage and carry it forward with pride.”
Speaking on the occasion, Parida said, “I have often been asked why, having chosen a career in science, I write poetry.
But science and poetry are not opposites.
They share human curiosity and imagination. I have never felt any conflict between them. For me, poetry is a journey into human memory, a way of bringing a beautiful world back to life.”
The Indian Metals Public Charitable Trust (IMPaCT), founded in 1974 by Bansidhar Panda and Ila Panda, has been instrumental in promoting Odia literature through the Sarala Puraskar (instituted in 1980), the Ila-Bansidhar Panda Kala Samman and the Ekalabya Puraskar.