Odisha Sangeet Natak Academy Presents Awards to 134 Artists for 2023–2025

OdishaConnect — Thu, 27 Nov 2025 12:03:06 +0000

Prestigious Kabi Samrat Upendra Bhanja Samman Among Highlights

Bhubaneswar – The Odisha Sangeet Natak Akademi today honoured 134 artists across multiple categories by presenting the Kabi Samrat Upendra Bhanja Samman, Odisha Sangeet Natak Akademi Awards, Upayana, and Kabichandra Kalicharan Yuva Pratibha Samman for the years 2023, 2024, and 2025.

The Kabi Samrat Upendra Bhanja Samman, the highest recognition of the Akademi, was awarded to:

2023: Dr. Pranab Kishore Pattnayak, Badal Shikdar
2024: Mohini Mohan Pattnayak, Sudhakar Sahu
2025: Ghanshyam Panda, Bhagabat Pradhan

Each recipient of this prestigious award received Rs 5 lakh.

Awards Distributed Across Categories

Other awards presented included:

Hindustani Vocal Music: Rs 2.5 lakh per awardee
Akademi Award: Rs 2 lakh per awardee
Upayana Award: Rs 1 lakh per awardee
Kabichandra Kalicharan Yuva Pratibha Samman: Rs 50,000 per awardee

In total, awards worth over Rs 2.5 crore were distributed among the 134 distinguished artists.

Chief Guest Praises Artistic Excellence

Speaking as the Chief Guest, Culture Minister Shri Suryabanshi Suraj said,
“The artistic excellence of our cultural luminaries is the result of lifelong dedication. Their contribution has enriched Odisha’s art and culture, making them eternally revered. I am confident that they will continue to carry the essence of Odisha’s cultural heritage to global heights.”

Dignitaries Highlight the Role of Artists

The ceremony was attended by eminent personalities including Digapahandi MLA Shri Siddhant Mohapatra, Ekamra MLA Shri Babu Singh, and Korei MLA Shri Akash Das Nayak. They highlighted the importance of artists in preserving and promoting Odisha’s rich cultural heritage and conveyed their best wishes to all awardees.

Programme Proceedings

The event began with a welcome address by Shri Bijay Ketan Upadhyay, Secretary of the Odia Language, Literature and Culture Department. Shri Deba Prasad Dash, Special Secretary, presented brief details about the awards, while Dr. Chandra Sekhar Hota, Secretary of Odisha Sangeet Natak Akademi, conducted the proceedings.

The ceremony celebrated the artistic brilliance and lifelong dedication of Odisha’s cultural luminaries, reinforcing the state’s commitment to nurturing and promoting its rich artistic heritage.