Bhubaneswar: Eminent linguist and writer Debi Prasanna Pattanayak was conferred with the first World Odia Language Award on Saturday in recognition of his life-long dedication towards the research in the classical Indian language.
Chief Minister Naveen Patnaik presented the prestigious award to the globally acclaimed linguist and researcher at the first World Odia Language Conference on its opening day in Bhubaneswar.
Pattanayak received Rs 20 lakh and citation as part of the award at the grand three-day event at Janata Maidan in the capital city. his research has greatly enriched the Odia language.
Expressing happiness after being honoured, Pattanayak said he considers the award most valuable as it has been conferred upon him for his own language. It is an honour for our own language, culture and traditions, he said.
On the occasion, the Chief Minister also felicitated veteran writers and Jnanpith Awardees Padma Bibhushan Sitakanta Mohapatra and Padma Bhushan Pratibha Ray.
Famous as a scholar, researcher, linguist and writer, Dr Pattanayak has earned name and fame across the country as the founder director of Indian Language Institute.
He has been honoured with the Padma Shri for his dedicated efforts towards the development of Indian languages.
Dr Pattanayak’s valuable contribution towards securing classical status to Odia language is well known.
A committee comprising President of the Indian Language Council and former Professor of the Department of Linguistics, University of Hyderabad G Uma Maheshwar Rao, Vice-Chancellor of Odia University Prof Sabita Pradhan, Vice-Chancellor Of Utkal University of Culture P K Swain and the Project Director of Centre of Excellence for Studies in Classical Odia of Indian government Prof. Basant Kumar Panda had recommended the name of Pattanayak for this prestigious award.
