Odisha Honours Its Cultural Torchbearers: A Three-Year Celebration of Artistic Excellence

In a resplendent tribute to Odisha’s cultural legacy, the Odisha Sangeet Natak Akademi, under the Odia Language, Literature and Culture Department, hosted a grand ceremony celebrating artistic brilliance across three years. Awards for 2023, 2024, and 2025 were presented together, transforming the occasion into a vibrant confluence of music, dance, drama, and the performing arts.

The event showcased the state’s deep respect for its cultural custodians. From the prestigious Kabi Samrat Upendra Bhanja Samman to the Odisha Sangeet Natak Akademi Puraskar, Upayan, and the Kabichandra Kalicharan Yuva Pratibha Samman, each honour reflected Odisha’s enduring commitment to nurturing talent across generations.

A remarkable 134 artists were felicitated this year, their contributions echoing through Odisha’s artistic corridors. The highest honour, the Kabi Samrat Upendra Bhanja Samman, was conferred upon six luminaries whose work has significantly shaped the cultural identity of the state. The esteemed recipients included 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 awardee received a cash prize of Rs 5 lakh in recognition of their lifelong devotion to the arts.

The ceremony also distributed significant rewards across various categories: Hindustani Kantha Sangeet Samman at Rs 2.5 lakh per recipient, Akademi Puraskar at Rs 2 lakh each, Upayan at Rs 1 lakh, and the Kabichandra Kalicharan Yuva Pratibha Samman at Rs 50,000. Altogether, more than Rs 2.5 crore was awarded, symbolising the state’s robust support for its cultural ethos.

Addressing the gathering, Culture Minister Suryabanshi Suraj, who graced the event as chief guest, offered heartfelt praise to the honorees. “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, drawing warm applause from the audience.

The ceremony was further enhanced by the presence of notable personalities, including renowned artist and Digapahandi MLA Siddhant Mahapatra, Korei MLA Akash Das Nayak, and Ekamra MLA Babu Singh. They each highlighted the vital role of artists in preserving and revitalising Odisha’s cultural traditions, extending their heartfelt congratulations to the awardees.

The program began with an eloquent welcome address by Dr Bijay Ketan Upadhyay, Secretary of the Odia Language, Literature and Culture Department. Special Secretary Deba Prasad Dash presented a detailed overview of the proceedings, while Odisha Sangeet Natak Akademi Secretary Dr Chandra Shekhar Hota ensured the event flowed seamlessly as the moderator.

As the ceremony drew to a close, one message resonated clearly: this collective recognition is more than a celebration—it is a testament to Odisha’s unwavering commitment to preserving and promoting its artistic heritage. With each accolade, the state honours not just individuals, but the timeless traditions they uphold, inspiring future generations to carry forward the melodies, movements, and stories that define Odisha’s cultural soul.