Bhubaneswar: Noted litterateur and linguist Nrusingha Charan Sarangi will be conferred with the Byasakabi Fakir Mohan Odia Bhasha Samman-2021.
The Department of Odia Language, Literature and Culture announced the honour through an official notification on Monday.
Sarangi will be felicitated with the Samman, along with a cash prize of Rs5 lakh, recognising his lifelong commitment to preserving and promoting Odia cultural heritage, at a glittering ceremony on January 14 (Wednesday), during the birth anniversary celebrations of Vyasakabi Fakir Mohan Senapati in Bhubaneswar.
According to official sources, Sarangi’s lifelong dedication to Odia literature, his scholarly research and his role in strengthening the Odia language were central to his selection. His works reflect a deep commitment to cultural preservation and literary excellence, making him a fitting recipient of an award named after Fakir Mohan Senapati, widely regarded as the father of modern Odia literature.
Sarangi has authored several acclaimed works in Odia, including collections of poetry, critical essays and scholarly studies on the evolution of Odia language and grammar. His writings often explore themes of cultural identity, social transformation and the preservation of Odia heritage. Beyond creative literature, Sarangi has contributed extensively to academic discourse, producing research volumes that highlight the historical and linguistic development of Odia. Over the years, his contributions have been recognised with multiple awards, including the Odisha Sahitya Akademi Award in 1999, underscoring his role as both a creative writer and a cultural scholar.
