THEBUSINESSBYTES BUREAU

BHUBANESWAR, OCTOBER 25, 2026

Noted Odia poet Dr Ashutosh Parida was conferred the 47th Sarala Puraskar here on Sunday for his acclaimed poetry collection Bishwas De Pruthwi, while legendary Odissi maestro Guru Durga Charan Ranbir and eminent sculptor and art educator Damodar Behera were honoured for their lifetime contributions to the performing and visual arts.

Instituted by the Indian Metals Public Charitable Trust (IMPaCT), the prestigious Sarala Puraskar recognises outstanding literary achievement in Odia. Parida received a copper plaque, a citation and a cash award of Rs 7 lakh from the chief guest, renowned Indian lyricist, poet and novelist R Vairamuthu. The award-winning collection was published by Parabha Publication.

The Ila-Bansidhar Panda Kala Samman for lifetime excellence was presented to Guru Ranbir, who was conferred the Padma Shri in 2025 for his contribution to the performing arts, and Behera, in recognition of his brilliance in the visual arts. Each recipient received a citation, a copper plaque and Rs 2.5 lakh.

Presiding over the ceremony, IMPaCT trustee Paramita Panda congratulated Parida, describing Bishwas De Pruthwi as a profound reflection on contemporary times and observing that social reality has consistently remained at the heart of the poet's creative expression.

 “IMPaCT remains steadfast in its commitment to nurturing Odia literature, music and art. It fills us with immense gratitude to honour the luminaries. We hope their journeys inspire our younger generation to cherish this heritage and carry it forward with pride,” she said.

In his keynote address, Vairamuthu, a recipient of the Padma Bhushan, Padma Shri, Sahitya Akademi Award and seven National Film Awards, and the recipient of the 2026 Jnanpith Award, underscored the intrinsic connection between language, culture and identity.

 “Language is a culture, and it lives in continuity with other cultures. One's mother tongue is one's identity. People must protect their language. When a language gains strength, its boundaries expand,” he said.

Paying tribute to the founders of IMPaCT, Vairamuthu said, “I salute the two guardians of culture, Late Dr Bansidhar Panda and Late Mrs Ila Panda, who nurtured and preserved this cultural legacy for 47 years.”

Padma Bhushan awardee and Jnanpith laureate Dr Pratibha Ray, who attended as the distinguished inaugurator and guest of eminence, spoke of poetry as the emotional core of literature.

 “I may write novels, but I read poetry extensively, as it is the heart of literature, and literature cannot exist without it. Where poets run out of words, poetry completes itself, touching the hearts of readers through its sensitivity and emotions,” she said.

In his acceptance speech, Parida reflected on the perceived divide between scientific inquiry and poetic imagination, saying the two had never been contradictory in his creative journey.

 “I have often been asked why, having chosen a career in science, I write poetry. But science and poetry are not opposites. They share human curiosity and imagination. I have never felt any conflict between them,” he said.

 “For me, poetry is a journey into human memory, a way of bringing a beautiful world back to life,” he added.

Founded in 1974 by Dr Bansidhar Panda and Mrs Ila Panda, IMPaCT has played a significant role in promoting and preserving Odisha's literary and artistic heritage. Besides the Sarala Puraskar, instituted in 1980, the trust confers the Ila-Bansidhar Panda Kala Samman and the Ekalabya Puraskar, supporting excellence across literature, the arts and other creative fields.