The Odia Virtual Academy (OVA) felicitated Padma Shri awardee Dr Mahendra Kumar Mishra in Bhubaneswar on June 3 for his outstanding contributions to mother tongue, folklore, and folk culture.
The felicitation ceremony took place at the CYSD Auditorium, where eminent scholar Dr Prafulla Kumar Mishra, Prof. Harekrishna Mishra of Shantiniketan, and social worker Jagadananda honoured Dr Mishra. Presiding over the event, OVA Secretary Dr Pradeep Kumar Raut praised Dr Mishra’s achievements and declared him the “Brand Ambassador” of the Academy, expressing hope for his guidance in expanding OVA’s activities.
Responding to the honour, Dr Mishra urged Odias to dedicate themselves to enriching the mother tongue and collective aspirations. He emphasised that establishing the Odia language as a knowledge repository is a national duty and pledged active support to OVA’s mission.
Noted scholar Dr Bibhuti Bhusan Mahapatra, OVA Senior Manager Smruti Ranjan Mishra, technical consultants Debananda Bhanj, Dr D.N. Mahanty, Sachidananda Panda, and Special Officer Srinibas Mishra also attended the event.
