
Three from Odisha to get Bal Sahitya and Yuva Puraskar
In Odia language, while Subrat Kumar Senapati has been selected for the Yuva Puraskar for his book of short stories 'Kadambabana', Rajkishore Padhi will receive the Bal Sahitya Puraskar for 'Kete Phula Phutichi', a book of poetry. Similarly, Mayurbhanj's Fagu Baskey will be conferred the Yuva Puraskar for his poetry collection 'Ala Saon Inj' in Santali language.
This was announced by the Central Sahitya Akademi on Wednesday following its executive board meeting which was presided over by Akademi's president Madhav Kaushik.
The books were chosen on the basis of recommendations made by a jury of three members each in the languages. The Bal Sahitya Puraskar relates to books published between 2019 and 2023. For Bal Sahitya Puraskar, the Odia jury included writers Niladri Bhusan Harichandan, Sankuntala Baliarsingh and Ramachandra Nayak. Likewise, the Yuva Puraskar Odia jury had Yashodhara Mishra, Rabi Swain and SuvashChandra Satapathy. And the Santali jury had Dulee Hembram, Kasunath Soren and Madan Mohan Soren.
Celebrated author Padhi had previously in 2015 received the Odisha Sahitya Akademi award for children's literature. While Senapati is known for his short stories, he currently works as an assistant professor in the Institute of Agricultural Sciences, SOA University. Similarly, Fagu is serving as an assistant teacher at Kumbhir Mundi primary school under Bangriposi block in Mayurbhanj district.All the awardees will receive engraved copper plaques and a cash reward of `50,000 each at a special function by the Sahitya Akademiat a later date.
Hashtags

Try Our AI Features
Explore what Daily8 AI can do for you:
Comments
No comments yet...
Related Articles


The Hindu
18 hours ago
- The Hindu
Sangeet Natak Akademi announces ‘self-nomination' process by artistes for its awards
A new initiative by Sangeet Natak Akademi, in its annual award nomination process, has raised eyebrows in the world of performing arts. The notice urges artistes, who wish to get this prestigious award in the field of arts, to go online and self-nominate themselves. The process earlier was based on recommendations of fellow artistes and awardees. According to the new initiative, nominations by earlier awardees will also have to be done online. SNA awardee and stalwart Hindustani vocalist, Pt Sajan Mishra is sceptical about the change. 'Expecting senior musicians to make recommendations through a cumbersome online process is not a practical idea. I feel it would be ideal for the members of the SNA committee to select artistes for the awards.' SNA chairperson, Sandhya Purecha defended the initiative saying, 'This is the first time in the over 70 years history of the Akademi awards that this decision has been taken. Earlier, there was no recourse for artistes who had been inadvertently overlooked. But, when I took the office; I felt the selection process needs to be democratic and not be limited to prior awardees or institutionalised recommendations.' Another added feature is to include YouTube links to a performance in the nomination form. Sandhya says, 'these are performing arts, so one must be sure the nominee is still a performer. It is now compulsory for an artiste to maintain YouTube links. There was opposition, specially from theatre artistes, but the rule stands.' The selection process will go through the 72-members of the General Committee and Advisory Committee. The four-layered process will examine the nominations in depth, involve more time-consuming procedures — resulting, hopefully, in the emergence of 'heere' (gems), reiterates Sandhya. A major glitch, Sandhya expects, could be from senior artistes, who may hesitate to nominate themselves for the award. Veena exponent and SNA Awardee, Jayanthi Kumaresh, feels: 'My generation of musicians are used to being called by an organisation and honoured. Our generation feels whatever we have done is not enough. Nominating oneself for a job is different; this nomination will require a paradigm shift in thought. However, there is a plus too — many deserving performers, who are not popular and who may not have others nominating them may get an opportunity. I think it needs a couple of years for us to decide.' Sandhya seems to have factored this in, by deputing officials to connect with artistes to facilitate self-nominations. She says, 'in the more remote areas, artistes are not so familiar with the internet, so I have deputed people to physically connect and help them. I am taking daily reports on how many artistes have been approached. The award's focus remains 'for the artists, by the artists', but the process has been expanded for a greater reach.' The perspective of senior dancer-choreographer Malavika Sarukkai seems to represent the dominant perspective of fellow artistes. She say, 'Personally, I was surprised to see that SNA announced the self nomination initiative. In cases in which the artist is not well known this method might help. However, for the most part, I do not see the purpose of self nomination. The critical part is in the hands of the selection committee and the process of selection needs to be based on merit, contribution and expertise in respective disciplines.'


Time of India
2 days ago
- Time of India
Classical treat marks end of SNA workshop
Lucknow: The UP Sangeet Natak Akademi (UPSNA) concluded its month-long summer workshop with classical and folk performances on Tuesday. The grand finale, organized by the culture department, was graced by culture and tourism minister Jaiveer Singh as the chief guest. The evening commenced with mesmerizing classical vocal renditions, where participants presented 'Ma Ni Barj Gaaye' in Rag Bhupali and 'Gopal Gukul Ballabhi' in Rag Bihag. The audience was then treated to a soul-stirring dadra performance of 'Jhamajham Pani Bhare Ri Kaun Albeli Naar'. A highlight of the event was an impressive tabla recital, followed by folk music performances under the guidance of renowned artist Manju Malkani. The folk segment featured popular compositions including 'Bhole Baba Ke Charan Ma' and 'O Chanda Jaiyo Biran Ke Deswa'. The grand finale featured enchanting Kathak dance performances directed by Neeta Joshi. Young dancers captivated the audience with their graceful movements to compositions like 'Dhyan Moolam', 'Chaap Tilak', and 'Main To Piya Se Naina Lada Aayi'. The event was attended by principal secretary, tourism, Mukesh Meshram, Akademi president Jayant Khot and director Shobhit Naahar. Get the latest lifestyle updates on Times of India, along with Doctor's Day 2025 , messages and quotes!


Time of India
2 days ago
- Time of India
Rath Yatra celebrated in Nigeria, Malawi
1 2 3 Rourkela: Lagos in Nigeria and Blantyre in Malawi witnessed vibrant Rath Yatra celebrations on June 27 and 28 respectively, bringing together the Odia diaspora and other Indian communities in Africa. In Lagos, the festival was organised by Odia Samaj Association of Nigeria (OSAN), drawing over 1,000 devotees who pulled the chariot of Lord Jagannath through the city streets amid singing of devotional songs and traditional dances. As part of the festival, prasad prepared by samaj members was distributed to devotees. "The festival brought our community together and strengthened our bond. We are grateful to everyone who participated and made it a grand success," said Prasant Das, president of OSAN. Vice-president Anant Sabat added, "We are committed to preserving and promoting our cultural heritage." In Blantyre, the chariot procession was organised by Odia Samaj Malawi in collaboration with Iskcon Blantyre and supported by the local Indian community. Starting at Old Town Hall, devotees in colourful attire chanted bhajans and pulled a decorated chariot accompanied by the sounds of conches, drums and devotional music. The yatra concluded at Shree Hindu Temple, where deities were welcomed with traditional dances and devotional songs, followed by a cultural programme featuring classical performances, songs and skits celebrating India's spiritual heritage. Around 800 devotees received prasad prepared by samaj members. "The celebration served not just as a religious event but also as a vibrant expression of Indian culture in Africa," said Akshaya Kumar Badajena, chairperson of Odia Samaj Malawi told TOI. Get the latest lifestyle updates on Times of India, along with Doctor's Day 2025 , messages and quotes!