Bhubaneswar: Noted Odia poet Dr Ashutosh Parida was conferred the 47th Sarala Puraskar, instituted by the Indian Metals Public Charitable Trust (IMPaCT) and awarded annually for the best literary achievement.
Chief guest R Vairamuthu, a renowned Indian lyricist, poet and novelist, presented the award which comprises a copper plaque, a citation and a cash award of Rs 7 lakh.
The award recognises Dr Parida’s acclaimed poetry collection ‘Bishwas De Pruthwi’, published by Parabha Publication.
“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,” said Parida.
Two other eminent persons were also honoured on the occasion with the Ila-Bansidhar Panda Kala Samman for lifetime excellence.
Legendary Odissi maestro Guru Durga Charan Ranbir, recipient of Padma Shri in 2025, was honoured for his contribution to performing arts, while sculptor and art educator Damodar Behera was acknowledged for brilliance in visual arts. Both artist received a citation, a copper plaque and Rs 2.5 lakh.
Padma Bhushan, Padma Shri, Sahitya Akademi Awardee, 2026 Janapith Award winner and seven National Award winners Vairamuthu said in his keynote address that language is a culture which lives in continuity with other cultures. “One’s mother tongue is one’s identity. People must protect their language. When a language gains strength, its boundaries expand. I salute the two guardians of culture, Late Dr Bansidhar Panda and Late Mrs Ila Panda, who nurtured and preserved this cultural legacy for 47 years.”
Trustee Paramita Panda, who presided over the function, congratulated Dr 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.
Dr Pratibha Ray, Padma Bhushan awardee and Jnanpith laureate, graced the occasion as the inaugurator and guest of eminence. “I may write novels, but I read poetry extensively, as it is the heart of literature, and literature cannot exist without it. Where poets run out of words, poetry completes itself, touching the hearts of readers through its sensitivity and emotions,” she said.