OTV Odisha Citizens Award 2025 honours nine eminent personalities

In the 13th edition of the prestigious annual Odisha Citizens Award, instituted by the Odisha Television Network (OTV), as many as nine distinguished personalities were awarded for their immense contribution to society in their respective fields. The awards were presented at a special function in Bhubaneswar on Saturday.

In the education category, Professor Chandiprasad Nanda was honoured, while Bichitrananad Panda received the award for social service. Successful farmer Saurav Pattanayak was honoured in the agriculture category. Entrepreneurs Rita and Shanti Baliarsingh received the award in the business category.

Similarly, Dr. Satyanarayan Rautaray was awarded for his contribution to the health sector, hockey player Sunelita Toppo was honoured in the sports category, and Sofia Firdous and Irashish Acharya were declared joint winners in the politics category. In the art and culture category, painter and architect Rabi Narayan Rath was awarded, while theatre director Chittaranjan Tripathy was recognised for his contribution to entertainment.

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This year, OTV selected outstanding individuals in nine categories—agriculture, art and culture, business, education, entertainment, health, politics, social service, and sports. A panel of independent selectors shortlisted three nominees from each category, after which the final winners were chosen through online voting based on public opinion.

Odisha Governor Dr. Hari Babu Kambhampati attended today’s award ceremony as the Chief Guest. Speaking on the occasion, the Governor said that it was not just an event but a meaningful celebration. Appreciating Odisha Television’s initiative, he said the awardees should inspire others through their exemplary work.

"This recognition from OTV holds special significance for me. Receiving the Citizen Award has made us more aware of our responsibilities towards society. It is not just an honour, but also a call to action. We may have achieved excellence in our respective fields, but now is the time to reflect on the contributions we have made to society," said Professor Chandiprasad Nanda who was awarded in the education category.

"We always wish for a drug-free society. Drugs have severely affected our communities. If anything can be called a devil, it is drugs - the real demon that destroys human lives. In the past year alone, as many as 24 of our youths lost their lives due to drug abuse. Their wives became widows, their children suffered, and entire families were shattered. We are working to reform society in this direction, and this effort will continue with even greater determination in the future," said Bichitrananad Panda who received the award for social service.

"This prestigious initiative of Odisha Television Network (OTV), which continues to uphold the finest traditions of recognising citizens with exceptional work, has enriched the society and strengthened the identity of the state. At the outset, I offer my heartfelt appreciation to Jagi Mangat Panda ji, the dynamic Managing Director of Odisha Television Network. Her unwavering commitment and vision have ensured that this platform grows stronger each year, honouring individuals who embody dedication, leadership and integrity," said Governor Dr. Hari Babu Kambhampati.

"Artistes who inspire, teachers who guide,  entrepreneurs who build, leaders who protect, caregivers who heal and citizens who care. Today, for the thirteenth time as we gather here to honour exemplary Odias who have made remarkable contributions to our society. I feel a deep sense of pride and humility. The Odisha Citizens Award is not just a recognition of individual achievement, it is a celebration of values, service, integrity, compassion and above all, unwavering dedication to the people," said OTV MD, Jagi Mangat Panda.