Eminent poet & writer Devdas Chhotray to receive 46th Sarala Puraskar

Eminent poet and writer Devdas Chhotray has been selected for the 46th Sarala Puraskar for his short-story collection Matinee Show, published by Timepass Publication in 2023. The award, instituted by the IMFA Charitable Trust (IMPaCT), will be presented at a ceremony in Bhubaneswar on October 26.

Chhotray, one of Odisha’s most acclaimed literary voices, will be honoured with a citation, a plaque and Rs 7 lakh in prize money. His work was chosen from among seven books that reached the final round of judging, which included works by Aparnna Mohanty, Mamata Dash, Padmaj Paul, Ashutosh Parida and Bijay Kumar Satpathy.

The shortlisting committee comprised Durgaprasad Panda, Krushna Kumar Mohanty, Pabitra Mohan Dash, Shrideb and Dr Shakti Mohanty. The final jury included respected literary figures Prakash Mohapatra, Pabitra Panigrahi, Dhananjay Swain, Paramita Satpathy, Susmita Bagchi, Dr Pravina Mohanty and Surya Mishra.

Also Read: IMFA organises mega health camp in Choudwar, offers free diagnostics services and medicines

Alongside the Sarala Puraskar, IMPaCT also announced the recipients of the Ila-Bansidhar Panda Kala Samman for lifetime excellence in art. This year, renowned painter Baladev Maharatha and music guru Ramhari Das will be honoured. Each will receive a certificate, plaque and Rs 2.5 lakh.

Judges for the Kala Samman included Dr Adyasa Das, Sujata Mohapatra and Sangita Panda for performing arts, while Panchami Manoo Ukil, Sudarshan Patnaik and Pradosh Swain evaluated the visual arts category.

Established in 1980 by Ila Panda and Dr Bansidhar Panda, IMPaCT has long promoted Odia Literature, Art, Music and Culture. It also instituted the Ekalabya Puraskar in 1993, now one of Odisha’s most prestigious sports awards.