Bhubaneswar: Eminent Buddhist studies researcher and writer Prabir Patnaik will be conferred with the prestigious Nabagunjara Samman award for 2024 by Nabagunjara Sanskruti Manch, a Bhubaneswar-based cultural organisation.
Members of the organisation visited Patnaik’s residence in Bhubaneswar and informed him about the award.
The award will be presented to the renowned writer and researcher at a function to be organised in Bhubaneswar, according to a statement by Nabagunjara Sanskruti Manch, which gives away the annual award.
He will receive a citation, cash prize and a shawl at the next annual programme.
After 14 years of rigorous studies and research, Patnaik has authored a book based on the glorious
life and achievement of second Buddha, Guru Padmasambhav. He has provided strong evidence to affirm that Guru Padmasambhav had taken birth in Odisha’s Sambalpur in the first half of eighth century and propagated the philosophy of Mahajan sect of Buddhism. He had preached tantrik and Vajrajan path of Buddhism.
Expressing happiness over his selection for the prestigious award, Patnaik said everybody in Odisha should feel proud over ‘second Buddha’ Padmasambhav’s contribution.
Patnaik said he is scheduled to make a presentation on the research dome by him regarding ‘Second Buddha’ Guru Padmasambhav at an international Buddhist conference being organised at the Nalanda University in Patna in the last week of August.
He also urged the state government to extend necessary cooperation in the matter. Followers of Buddhism will be immensely benefited if the book is translated and published in Odia and Hindi, he added.
