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2 from Odisha selected for Yuva Puraskar award, 1 for Bal Sahitya Puraskar

2 from Odisha selected for Yuva Puraskar award, 1 for Bal Sahitya Puraskar

Time of India19-06-2025
Bhubaneswar: Two from Odisha will receive the prestigious Yuva Puraskar, while another has been selected for the Bal Sahitya Puraskar this year by Kendra Sahitya Akademi. The names, announced on Wednesday, include Subrat Kumar Senapati who won Yuva Puraskar in Odia language for his short stories collection, 'Kadambabana', while Fagu Baskey was selected for the same award in Santali language for his poetry collection, 'Ala Saon inj'.
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Rajkishore Parhi was chosen for the Bal Sahitya Puraskar for his poetry collection, 'Kete Phula Phutichhi', in Odia language.
While congratulating the recipients, chief minister Mohan Charan Majhi said in an X post, "My best wishes to Rajkishore Padhi and Subrata Kumar Sahabi for the award. This success is not only your personal success but also a matter of pride and honour for the Odia language and literature. May you further enrich the treasure trove of Odia literature with your creations in the coming days."
An elated Senapati said, "I am delighted to be selected for the award and my responsibility as a writer will increase after this honour. Through my writings, I try to shed light on the untold emotions of people and characters who were not widely covered in Odia literature, like transgenders, gay and lesbians."
Senapati is currently a faculty member at SOA University's Institute of Agricultural Science in Bhubaneswar.
Baskey from Bholagadia village in Mayurbhanj district emerged as one of the most promising voices in contemporary Santali literature. He is widely known for his contribution to the digitisation of the Santali language and promoting Santali literature on digital platforms. "I am really happy that my book was selected for the award. This is a recognition of indigenous literature on a national platform," Baskey said.
Each award includes a cash prize of Rs 50,000, a citation plaque (memento) and a shawl. A special ceremony will be held in New Delhi where the three will receive the awards.
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