Bhubaneswar: Shambhavi Puraskar 2022 of the Bansidhar and Ila Panda Foundation (BIPF) was conferred on Ratnakar Sahoo for his contribution in the domain of education.
Ratnakar of Bhubaneswar founded ‘ASHAYEN’ with an objective of educating and improving lives of underprivileged children. His notable work spread through his unique community-based learning centres known as “Ama-Pathashala”. Through “Bridge Education”, he not only generated interest for education among street children, but also helped them get admission into formal schools.
Ratnakar also successfully converted some liquor shops into study centres under “Madashala ru Pathshala” to conduct evening classes for street children and slum dwellers. “Ashayen” also focuses on deaddiction and making these children lead an addiction-free life. Ratnakar regularly conducts exposure visits and imparts general know-how on life skills, health and hygiene and sensitising children on good touch and bad touch.
The award was presented to Ratnakar by VK Madhavan, Chief Executive, Water Aid India, New Delhi and Dr Ajay Parida, Director, Institute of Life Science in presence of Paramita Panda, Trustee, BIPF at a function, here. The Shambhavi Puraskar carries a memento, citation and a cash prize of Rs 2,50,000.
The BIPF also conferred the ‘Jury Commendation Certification 2022’ on Chinmayee Das of Jarapada in Angul district on the occasion. The award carries a citation and a cash prize of Rs 50,000.
As a social activist, Chinmayee has been vocal about the rights of transgender and has paved a path for them to live a socially acceptable life. Due to her efforts, a ‘Transgender Ward’ has been opened in district hospital at Angul. Her idea of “Mo-Pathaghara” (Library), an initiative to inculcate reading habits among children and senior citizens, is highly appreciated. With more than 2000 books, it has opened up a world of knowledge for them.
The jury of Shambhavi Puraskar 2022 comprised Pramod Kumar Merkap, Chairman, Odisha Food Commission; Akshaya Kumar Sahoo, special correspondent, Asian Age; Dr Sutapa Pati, Academic Dean, XIM University; Debabrata Patra, associate director, Action Aid and Shaifalika Panda, CEO and Trustee of BIPF.
Niranjan Mishra, Principal, JN TATA Technical Education Center was the field sssessor for the 9th edition of Shambhavi Puraskar. Ashok Kumar Behera, vice-president, BIPF was also present.
