Prominent Odia poet, essayist, and former scientist at CSIR-IMMT, Ashutosh Parida has been chosen for the much-cherished Sarala Puraskar 2026 for his book of poems titled ‘Bishwas De Pruthwi’. The annual literary award given by Indian Metals Public Charitable Trust (IMPaCT) for excellence in literary accomplishment in Odia language, the honour carries a citation, copper plaque and a prize of ₹7 lakh in cash. Two noted artists of Odisha have received the Ila-Bansidhar Panda Kala Samman for their lifelong accomplishments in the field of arts.
Ashutosh Parida Awarded Sarala Puraskar
Parida has won the Sarala Puraskar 2026 for his book of poems Bishwas De Pruthwi, which has been chosen as the best book from the list of seven books that were in the race for the coveted award.
The annual literary award, the Sarala Puraskar is meant for the most significant literary accomplishment in the Odia language.
It is worth noting that Parida has been chosen not only for his literary contribution but also for being a scientist in CSIR-IMMT.
The award consists of a citation, copper plaque and ₹7 lakh cash award.
Presentation Ceremony of Will Sarala Puraskar 2026
This year, the ceremony would take place in Bhubaneswar on October 25, 2026.
The award would be presented to Parida formally for his contribution to Odia poetry and literature through the identified collection.
Presentation of Ila-Bansidhar Panda Kala Samman to Two Artists
Another award that recognizes the lifetime excellence in the field of arts is Ila-Bansidhar Panda Kala Samman 2026.
This award would be given to,
- Guru Durga Charan Ranbir – Odissi maestro
- Damodar Behera – Sculptor and Art Educator
Both the awardees will be presented with a certificate, copper plaque and a cash prize of ₹2.5 lakh.
Seven Books Made to the Shortlist of Final Selection
Seven books made it to the shortlist of the final selection of Sarala Puraskar.
Apart from Parida’s ‘Bishwas De Pruthwi’, other books shortlisted were those authored by Aparna Mohanty, Padmaja Pal, Archana Nayak, Bijay Nayak, Prakash Mahapatra and Ramesh Prasad Panigrahi.
The book shortlisting panel members were Indira Dash, Pratiksha Jena, Amiya Bej, Pradip Kumar Panda and Abhay Nayak.
Jury Responsible for the Selection
The members of the Sarala Puraskar award jury included Sucheta Mishra, Hrushikesh Mallick, Sangram Jena, Swapna Mishra, Natabar Satapathy, Sarojini Sahoo and Ajay Kumar Mohapatra.
The jury was divided into two groups for deciding the winners of the Ila-Bansidhar Panda Kala Sam
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