Renowned Odia Writer Dash Benhur To Receive ‘Nabagunjara Samman’ 2023

Bhubaneswar: Eminent Odia writer Jitendra Narayan Dash, popularly known as Dash Benhur in Odisha, will be conferred with the prestigious ‘Nabagunjara Samman’ for 2023 for his contribution to literature and culture.

The award will be presented to the renowned writer and columnist at a function to be organised on October 14 in Bhubaneswar, according to a statement by Nabagunjara Sanskruti Manch, which gives away the award. He will receive a citation, cash prize and a shawl.

Recipient of many awards, Dash Benhur is widely respected across the state for his mammoth work in the field of children’s literature in Odia. He is the author of more than 100 books, including a large number of collections of short-stories.

Known as a Gandhian scholar, the 70-year-old writer has been honoured with numerous awards including the central Sahitya Akademi, Odisha Sahitya Akademi and Odisha Bigyan Academy Awards.

Active in the field of literature and culture over the last 50 years, the award-winning writer has retired as the Principal of Samanta Chandrasekhar (Autonomous) College, Puri. He has also edited a popular tabloid for children.