Kalahandi (Lingaraj Mishra): This year’s prestigious ‘Devgiri Samman’ will be conferred on senior researcher Uma Shankar Kar. The announcement was made by Devgiri Sanskrutika Anusthan, a leading cultural organisatin of Odisha located at Budhipadar under Narla block of Kalahandi district. Mr Kar, a resident of Bhawanipatna, is being bestowed the Anusthan’s highest honour in recognition of his contributions to literature, journalism, and research. For over 50 years, he has devoted himself to journalism and creative writing. Since 1973, he has worked with All India Radio, Doordarshan, and various other media outlets. Currently, he serves as the district correspondent for PTI and The New Indian Express. His contributions to social and cultural spheres are equally remarkable. He has served as a member of the District Sainik Welfare Board, Kalahandi District Cultural Council, District Road Safety Committee, Bhawanipatna Land Valuation Benchmark Committee, and several other bodies. Mr Kar has edited the new edition of the Kalahandi District Gazetteer and the ‘Kalajharan’ souvenir published during the Kalahandi Utsav ‘Ghumura’. His ‘Vision Document’ prepared for the overall development of Kalahandi is regarded as a valuable reference. His research articles, short stories, and works on folk literature are regularly published in reputed journals and broadcast on All India Radio. To date, he has authored five short-story collections, five books on folk literature, two books on social issues, and five research-based books. Notable among them are Aahata Upatyakara Swaralipi, Bulababanka Jhulamuni, Paschima Odishara Dhagadhamali, Kalahandira Katha, Manikyadevi Manikeswari, Aitihasika Durga Asurgarh, Kaalantarare Kantaraka, and Batayanare Kalahandi.
Similarly, this year’s ‘Devgiri Sambhabana Samman’ will go to Aishwarya Pradhan, a vibrant young voice in Odia poetry. Born in Atigaon under Junagarh block, Ms Pradhan’s poetry beautifully captures the subtle emotions of the female psyche – love, affection, separation, loneliness, hope, despair, social consciousness, struggle, and the philosophy that emerges from it. She skilfully transforms her surroundings, society, and nature into poetic form. Her command of language, rhythm, imagery, and emotion creates a harmonious whole that deeply touches readers and opens new avenues of thought. Her debut poetry collection ‘Tume Gala Pare’ received widespread appreciation, while her second book ‘Sheshabhoga’ is due for release shortly. She currently resides in Bhawanipatna.
The ‘Devgiri Kala Samman’ will be presented to distinguished painter, poet, and actor Dr Dinabandhu Sahu. He has created more than 500 sketches and has held over 25 solo exhibitions across the country, participated in more than 25 group shows, and performed in numerous music-and-painting duet programmes, earning wide acclaim. Drawn to theatre since his student days, he has acted in over 30 plays and performed as a singer in more than 10 palas. He is also known for his ability to mimic the sounds of over 30 animals, birds, and vehicles. As a poet, he is well regarded, with six books to his credit. Dr Sahu currently works as a MD at Saheed Rendo Majhi Medical College and Hospital, Bhawanipatna. The selected recipients will be felicitated during the 33rd annual function of Devgiri Sanskrutika Anusthan and state-level Kumarswami Mahotsav, to be held from 6 to 8 December at the Gosingha Daitya Darbar. Other awards will be announced shortly, said Anusthan’s president Sanjaya Dhangadamajhi and general secretary Sunil Kumar Dhangadamajhi.
