Bhubaneswar: Noted artist Satyanarayana Maharana from Sonepur was conferred the 6th Dinanath Pathy Kala Samman for his lifelong dedication to preserving and promoting Odisha’s traditional Ganjapa art.
The award was presented during a ceremony organised by the Ketaki Foundation Trust on Saturday evening at Bharatiya Vidya Bhavan in Bhubaneswar. The event also featured the 4th Dinanath Pathy Memorial Lecture, delivered by Prof Kishor Kumar Basa, former Chairman of the National Monuments Authority.
Speaking on the topic, ‘Odishara Kala Sthapatya: Eka Itihasa Tatwika Adhyayana’ (Art and Architecture of Odisha: A Historiographical Study), Prof Basa offered an in-depth analysis of Odisha’s rich architectural and sculptural heritage. He highlighted the multifaceted genius of Dinanath Pathy, quoting eminent poet and writer Sitakant Mahapatra, who once observed that it was difficult to say whether Pathy was more skilled with words or with lines and colours, as he excelled in both.
Eminent scientist, former Vice-Chancellor of Sambalpur University, renowned Odissi danseuse and Padma awardee Dr. Priyambada Mohanty Hejmadi graced the occasion as Chief Guest. She underscored the need to actively preserve and promote Odisha’s artistic and cultural legacy for future generations.
The programme saw enthusiastic participation from a large gathering of artists, writers, intellectuals, young talents, and students.
Eminent artist and Ketaki Foundation Trust Trustee Ramahari Jena conducted the programme, while Managing Trustee Jyotiranjan Swain highlighted the Trust’s ongoing initiatives in preserving and promoting Odisha’s art, literature, and culture.
