Noted educationist from Odisha, Ratnakar Sahoo, was on Thursday felicitated with the Shambhavi Puraskar for the year 2022.
Sahoo was honoured with the ninth edition of the prestigious award for his outstanding contribution to the field of education, especially towards the development in the lives of slum children through his Ama Pathsala Centre.
Besides imparting education to slum children, he also spreads awareness about health, sanitation, cleanliness, and de-addiction.
The annual Shambhavi Puraskar, instituted by the Bansidhar & Ila Panda Foundation, the CSR wing of the IMFA Group, is conferred upon those working towards bringing positive change in society and also motivating others to follow in their footsteps.
Similarly, Chinmayee Das of Angul district was felicitated with this year’s Shambhavi Jury Commendation Certificate Puraskar-2022 for her commendable job in the welfare of the transgender community.
Water Aid India Chief Executive Officer VK Madhavan, ILS Director (Bhubaneswar) Ajay Parida, Trustee of Bansidhar & Ila Panda Foundation, Paramita Panda were among several other intellectuals and illustrious personalities who graced the occasion.
Speaking to reporters on the sidelines of the award ceremony, Paramita said, "Banshidhar and Ila Foundation is very proud to felicitate two Karma Yogis who have dedicated their lives to humanity, specifically Ratnakar Sahoo who has focused all his energy on educating the underprivileged children. I hope his concept of Mo Pathasala becomes an inspiration for people to imbibe that great noble initiative and do things on their own for society."
In his acceptance speech, award winner Ratnakar Sahoo said, "I always had that inspiration to do welfare for society and will continue to move forward in that direction. I thank the Banshidar and Ila Foundation for giving youths a perfect platform and inspiration to work for society."