Bhubaneswar: Professor, linguist, social scientist and author Debi Prasanna Pattanayak was conferred with Bhasha Samman 2018. He was given a citation and Rs 25,000 cash. At the same time the Bhasha Yuva Samman was given to young poet Bharat Majhi. He was given cash prize of Rs 10,000. The award was given by Oriya media.
Eminent poet Padma Bushan Ramakanta Rath who was present as a guest lauded the steps taken by the government with regard to promotion of Oriya language, which include bifurcating tourism and culture department and setting up of an Oriya Language Commission for encouraging the state language. The decision was taken at the meeting of the state Cabinet December 26, 2017 which was held for the first time at Puri, instead of the secretariat in Bhubaneswar.
Speaking on the occasion poet Bibhuti Patnaik said that mere making Oriya the official language will not serve the whole purpose. It will only happen when more and more people will not only speak but also read Oriya literature. There is vast difference in the style of language used by writers of the past and the contemporary writers.
Addressing the function Law Minister Pratap Jena said that the government efforts will not be enough in popularizing the state language if a larger population, especially the educated ones turns away from it. He said that the decision of the cabinet last year such as scholarships to those securing high marks at the intermediate and graduation levels would encourage the students to pursue research in Oriya.
Books by four new writers were also launched on the occasion. The books are a collection of essays Satyam Apriyam by Arun Kumar Panda, Bhinna Bhaart by Surya Mani Mishra and a poetry collection Bishuddha Samudra by Pabitra Mohan Dash and Maa pain Lori by Ashok Kumar Singh
A story telling and poetry recitation session by selected arbiters and poets was also organised on the occasion.
PNN
