Kalahandi (Lingraj Mishra): The Devgiri Sanskrutik Anusthan, a leading cultural organisation in Odisha, has announced the recipients of this year’s prestigious awards. The honours will be conferred during the 32nd Annual Function and state-level Kumarswami Mahotsav from 13th to 15th November at the Gosinga Daitya Darbar.
Veteran writer, editor, social activist, and retired Hindi teacher Sakit Rate will receive the ‘Devgiri Samman’ for his lifetime contributions to literature and social service. A resident of Bhawanipatna, Mr Rate is celebrated for his extensive work in poetry, fiction, novels, translation, and editing. His notable publications include the Hindi poetry collection ‘Kusumanjali’, the Odia poetry collection ‘Mashaniru Muktipatha’, ‘Barabara Gadhuthibi Ghara’, Collection of।short stories ‘Pulton Aasichhi’, ‘Dahani’, ‘Shaba Ferichhi’, ‘Aama Kalahandi Lokakatha’, translation books ‘Jivan Jivan’, ‘Ruturaj Jema’, ‘Bharatiya Katha’ and the mystery novel ‘Hatya’. As the editor of ‘Sahitya Katha’, Odisha’s only literary-news magazine, his efforts in promoting literary news globally are commendable. He has also served as a member of the Odisha Sahitya Akademi and is currently the Vice-President of Utkal Yadav Mahasabha.
Rajat Bansal, a young writer, journalist, social activist, and organiser from Behera village, Dharmagarh block, will be honoured with the ‘Devgiri Yuva Samman’. Mr Bansal is known for his work in literature and social service, particularly through the Dandapat Yuva Seva Sangathan, which he founded. His poetry collection ‘Abyakta Shabda’ is widely appreciated across Odisha. He has initiated various programmes for social awareness, distribution of textbooks, clothes, and blankets to the needy, and has established a tailoring training centre and producer group to empower women.
Folk artist, dancer, and cultural organiser Dhyanananda Panda will receive the ‘Devgiri Lokanrutya Samman’. A resident of Bhawanipatna, Mr Panda is dedicated to reviving the endangered folk dances of Kalahandi and Western Odisha. Through his organisation ‘Pratibha’, he teaches traditional dances like Ghumura, Singbaja, Dhap, Banabadi, Madli, Ghudka etc. His contributions have earned him numerous accolades, including the National Youth Award, Ustad Bismillah Khan Award, and State Award for Social Service.
The awards are declared by Sanjay Dhangadamajhi, President, and Sunil Kumar Dhangadamajhi, General Secretary of Devgiri Sanskrutik Anusthan. Other awards will be announced soon.
