Dr Nrusingha Charan Sarangi Honoured with Vyasa Kabi Fakir Mohan Odia Bhasha Samman–2021

Prestigious Award Presented by Odisha Culture Minister

Eminent literature scholar and researcher Dr Nrusingha Charan Sarangi was conferred with the Vyasa Kabi Fakir Mohan Odia Bhasha Samman–2021 by the Odia Language, Literature and Culture Department, Government of Odisha. The award ceremony was held at the Odisha Research Centre on the occasion of the birth anniversary of legendary litterateur Vyasa Kabi Fakir Mohan Senapati.

The honour was presented by Culture Minister Shri Suryabanshi Suraj, who also paid floral tributes to Fakir Mohan Senapati. Dr Sarangi received a cash prize of Rs 5 lakh as part of the recognition for his contributions to Odia literature.

Recognition of Literary and Academic Excellence

Dr Sarangi was recognised for his distinguished contributions to Odia language and literature, his sustained academic research, and his significant literary works. His scholarly work, which includes comparative studies of Nathaniel Hawthorne’s “The House of the Seven Gables” and Fakir Mohan Senapati’s “Chha Mana Atha Guntha”, has been widely acclaimed in literary circles.

Minister Highlights Fakir Mohan Senapati’s Legacy

In his address, Minister Shri Suryabanshi Suraj emphasised the enduring relevance of Fakir Mohan Senapati’s writings, noting that the author laid the foundation of modern Odia literature by highlighting social realities and lived experiences. He added that Fakir Mohan’s legacy continues to inspire generations of readers and scholars.

Dr Sarangi’s Acceptance Speech

Dr Sarangi expressed gratitude to the Odisha Sahitya Akademi and the Odia Language, Literature and Culture Department for the honour. He reflected on the influence of Fakir Mohan Senapati on his academic journey and underscored the importance of comparative literary research in bridging Odia literature with global works.

Cultural Program and Publications Released

On the occasion, the Odisha Sahitya Akademi released two publications:

• Rajakabi Gobindabhanja Granthabali

• Sahityika Janaki Ballabha Mohanty (Bharadwaj)

Students of Utkal University of Culture presented a chorus music performance, adding a cultural touch to the ceremony.

Dignitaries Present at the Event

The programme was attended by noted writer Shri Shantanu Acharya, Dr Bijay Ketan Upadhyay (Secretary of the Odia Language, Literature and Culture Department), Special Secretary Shri Deba Prasad Dash, and Dr Chandrasekhar Hota (Secretary of the Odisha Sahitya Akademi), among others.

This recognition cements Dr Sarangi’s position as a leading scholar in Odia literature, continuing the legacy of Vyasa Kabi Fakir Mohan Senapati while inspiring future generations of writers and researchers.