Odisha LoP Naveen Patnaik Seeks Continuation Of Centre’s Support For UNESCO Kalinga Prize

Bhubaneswar: BJD president and Leader of Opposition (LoP) in Odisha Assembly Naveen Patnaik on Monday urged the Centre to ensure continuation of the prestigious UNECSO Kalinga Prize, amid reports that the Union government may stop supporting the international award.

In a letter to Union Science and Technology Minister Jitendra Singh, the former Chief Minister said that UNESCO Kalinga Prize, is one of the prestigious international awards in the field of science.

Instituted by legendary Biju Patnaik, the prize has been awarded to 72 great scientists including seven Nobel laureates since its inception, he said, adding that the prize was made possible with a grant of 1000 pounds to UNESCO, Paris from Kalinga Foundation Trust in 1951. Biju Patnaik was the founder president of the Trust.

Stating that the Prize is the only international award from India in the field of popularization of science, the LoP said it has been a highly coveted prize and has also become a symbol of Odia identify at the international level.

After successful completion of 50 years of UNESCO Kalinga Prize, it was decided in 2002 when late Atal Bihari Vajpayee was the Prime Minister that the Union government’s Department of Science Technology, government of Odisha and Kalinga Foundation Trust will act as the partners/donors for the prize and share the expenses of the prize in the ratio of 6:4:4, Naveen said.

“However, I am now pained to learn that the Ministry of Science & Technology, government of India, has decided to stop supporting for this prize,” the BJD chief said in his letter, copy of which was released to the media.

Stressing that the ‘Kalinga Prize’ is not just a symbol of ‘Odia pride’, he said it has set a legacy for independent India in the comity of nations globally.

“In this context, I would like to draw your kind attention and request you to personally intervene for continuation of UNESCO Kalinga Prize and honour the Odia ‘identity and pride’ and associated with it,” Naveen added.