Bhubaneswar: The Sixth Akshaya Upanyasa Puraskar was conferred on writer Lalatendu Sahoo for his remarkable novel Ghat Muhaan Danga.
The award, instituted by the Pratibha Ray Foundation Trust and Adya Prakashani, was presented at an elegant ceremony held at Jayadev Bhawan, Bhubaneswar, on September 19.
Ghat Muhaan Danga, published by Pakhighar Publications, Bhubaneswar, is a compelling and evocative work that explores the human predicament amid social upheaval. The novel brings together the forces of society, circumstance and human resilience, offering a powerful reflection on how ordinary lives are shaped, according to a press release.
The award has been instituted in memory of eminent engineer Akshaya Chandra Ray, founder of the renowned publishing house Adya Prakashani. Adyasha Das, vice-president of the Trust, presented an overview of the Trust and its multi-pronged objectives. Speaking on the occasion, she said that the honour reflects the Trust’s deep regard for literary excellence and its unwavering commitment to encouraging creativity, originality and innovation in Odia literature.
Basant Panda, adviser, PRF Trust, spoke on the significance of the award-winning novel Ghat Muhaan Danga. The chief guest, eminent writer Devdas Chhotray, said that receiving an award instituted by the Trust of Jnanpith laureate Pratibha Ray was a blessing. He observed that such recognition would encourage young writers to choose the novel as a creative genre
Eminent writer Gourhari Das, Chief Speaker, extolled the virtues of Akshaya Chandra Ray and praised the Trust’s endeavour to create opportunities and encouragement for young writers.
Lalatendu Sahoo, the awardee, expressed that such recognition strengthened his literary pursuits and said that receiving the Akshaya Upanyasa Puraskar had further motivated him to devote himself to his creative work.
Eminent writer Pratibha Ray, president of the Trust, stated that the award was conceived to recognise young writers and encourage emerging talent in the field of Odia novel writing. Lalit Das, Member of the Trust, proposed the vote of thanks.
On the occasion, Banoj Tripathy of Pakhighar Publications, publisher of Ghat Muhaan Danga, and Prasant Kumar Acharya were felicitated with the “Sudhi Prakashak” and “Priya Pathaka” Samman, respectively. The ceremony was attended by several distinguished personalities and literary luminaries.