Bhubaneswar: Chief minister Naveen Patnaik on Tuesday announced that the state government will present ‘Manoj Das International Literary Award’ in memory of eminent litterateur Manoj Das.
The award will be conferred on the litterateurs from Odisha for their creative contribution to English literature every year. It will carry a cash award of Rs 10 lakh.
In order to develop interest among youths in Odia and English literature, the chief minister said high school students will be presented ‘Manoj-Kishore Literary Talent Award’ for their creative works. The award will be announced both in English and Odia categories and carry cash reward of Rs 1 lakh.
Besides, the chief minister announced that a memorial ‘Manmath-Manoj Memorial’ in the name of Manoj Das and his historian brother Manmath Nath Das will be set up at their birthplace Sankhari village in Balasore district. A library will also be opened displaying books written on literature and history by the two borthers on the memorial premises.
Naveen made the announcement following his discussion with the family members of Manoj Das after his demise on Tuesday last.
