In a grand celebration of Odisha’s rich cultural heritage, the Odisha Sangeet Natak Akademi, under the auspices of the Odia Language, Literature, and Culture Department, presented awards for the years 2023, 2024, and 2025 today.
The event recognised outstanding contributions in the fields of music, dance, drama, and other performing arts through the Kabi Samrat Upendra Bhanja Samman, Odisha Sangeet Natak Akademi Puraskar, Upayan, and Kabichandra Kalicharan Yuva Pratibha Samman.
A total of 134 talented artists were honoured across the three years, with the highest accolade, the Kabi Samrat Upendra Bhanja Samman, bestowed upon six eminent personalities. The recipients include Dr Pranab Kishor Pattnaik and Sri Badal Shikdar for 2023; Sri Mohini Mohan Pattnaik and Sri Sudhakar Sahu for 2024; and Sri Ghanashyam Panda and Sri Bhagabat Pradhan for 2025.
Each Kabi Samrat Upendra Bhanja Samman awardee received a cash prize of Rs 5 lakh. Other categories carried substantial rewards as well: the Hindustani Kantha Sangeet Samman at Rs 2.5 lakh per recipient, Akademi Puraskar at Rs 2 lakh each, Upayan at Rs 1 lakh each, and Kabichandra Kalicharan Yuva Pratibha Samman at Rs 50,000 per awardee. In total, over Rs 2.5 crore in prize money was distributed to celebrate these artistic achievements.
Culture Minister Sri Suryabanshi Suraj, who graced the occasion as the chief guest, lauded the honorees in his address. “The luminaries of our art world, through their lifelong dedication, have enriched Odisha’s culture and elevated its performing arts to excellence. You are eternally revered by us. I am confident that you will continue your relentless efforts to make Odisha’s art globally renowned,” he said.
Distinguished guests, including renowned artist and Digapahandi MLA Sri Siddhant Mahapatra, Korei MLA Sri Akash Das Nayak, and Ekamra MLA Sri Babu Singh, highlighted the pivotal role of artists in preserving and revitalising Odisha’s vibrant cultural traditions. They extended heartfelt congratulations to all the award winners.
The program commenced with a welcome address by the Secretary of the Odia Language, Literature, and Culture Department, Dr. Bijay Ketan Upadhyay. Special Secretary Sri Deba Prasad Dash provided a detailed overview of the proceedings, while Odisha Sangeet Natak Akademi Secretary Dr Chandra Shekhar Hota skillfully moderated the event.
This collective recognition underscores the state’s commitment to nurturing and promoting its artistic legacy, inspiring future generations to carry forward Odisha’s timeless traditions in music, theatre, and beyond.
