Bhubaneswar: The Fourth Pratima Award Ceremony and Memorial Lecture 2026, organised in memory of eminent educationist, writer, and social worker Pratima Devi, was held in Bhubaneswar.
On this occasion, Srujanika was conferred with the Pratima Shiksha Samman 2026 in recognition of its significant contribution towards popularizing science education and digitizing rare books, magazines, dictionaries, and newspapers, making them accessible to the public through the Odia Bibhaba platform.
Renowned Kotpad natural dye weaver Bidyadhar Mahanta was honoured with the Pratima Shilpi Samman 2026 for his outstanding contribution to the preservation and promotion of traditional weaving practices.
The awardees were felicitated with a plaque, citation, uttariya, and a cash prize of Rs 5,000 each during the event, organised by Pratima Foundation.
Adding a new dimension this year, the Pratima Srujan Samman 2026 was introduced to recognize creative excellence across artistic fields. Under this category, Pipili Chandua artisan Umesh Chandra Mahapatra was honoured.
The ceremony was presided over by senior poet and journalist Kedar Mishra. Eminent writer and professor Adhyapak Biswaranjan attended as the Chief Guest and spoke about the role of education in shaping society, the contributions of educators like Pratima Devi, and the importance of preserving traditional art forms. The Guest of Honour, noted social worker and Odisha’s first woman commissioner Lopamudra Mohanty, emphasised the importance of alternative education and the relevance of visionary educators in today’s society.
Eminent writer, researcher, and critic Dr. Gauranga Charan Dash delivered the Fourth Pratima Memorial Lecture titled “Asmita Charcha: Chhaya Natak”, where he explored the concept of identity through a comparative discussion of shadow theatre traditions across India, with special reference to Odisha’s Ravana Chhaya.
The event was anchored by renowned film actress Madhumita Mohanty.
Managing Trustee of Pratima Foundation, Sumitra Parhi, shared insights into the vision and mission of the organisation and highlighted the life and legacy of Pratima Devi. She also announced that the Pratima Award Ceremony will continue to be held annually on May 4, marking her birth anniversary. The programme concluded with a formal vote of thanks by poet and columnist Pabitra Mohan Kar.
The event witnessed the participation of a large number of writers, educators, artists, and cultural enthusiasts from Bhubaneswar and beyond, making it a grand success.
