Bhubaneswar: Renowned Odia writer Sarojini Sahoo has been selected for the prestigious Sarala Puraskar for her acclaimed novel Astira Pada. The award ceremony is set to take place on October 26, where Sahoo will be honored with a plaque and a cash prize of Rs 5 lakh.
The Sarala Puraskar was established in 1979 by the well-known Odia industrialists Late Bansidhar Panda and Late Ila Panda. It is presented annually by the Indian Metals Public Charitable Trust (IMPaCT), which is the charitable wing of IMFA, to recognize outstanding literary achievements.
Sahoo’s novel stood out in a competitive field of notable works, including Agni Kamalini by Aparna Mohanty, Aprastuta Mrutyu by Ashutosh Parida, Abadharita O Anyanya Galpa by Dash Benhur, Kankana Dasi Katha by Bijay Kumar Satpathi, Maya by Biyot Projna Tripathy, and Sita Mun Sita by Padmaj Paul.
In addition to the Sarala Puraskar, two other eminent personalities will be honored with the Ila-Bansidhar Panda Kala Samman, which recognizes lifetime excellence in the arts. Sculpture artist Sudarshan Sahoo and renowned singer Tansen Singh will each receive a certificate, a plaque, and a cash prize of Rs 2 lakh.
These awards continue to highlight the immense talent and contribution of artists and writers in Odisha.