On 2nd April 2021, M Venkaiah Naidu, Vice President of India presented the Kalinga Ratna Samman for the year 2021 to Biswabhusan Harichandan, governor of Andhra Pradesh(AP) to recognise his contribution to literature.
- The award was presented during the 600th Birth Anniversary celebrations of Adi Kabi Sarala Das and the 40th Annual Day of Sarala Sahitya Sansad at the Sarala Bhawan, Cuttack.
About the Kalinga Ratna Samman:
i.Kalinga Ratna Samman is an annual award instituted by the Sarala Sahitya Sansad in 2007.
ii.The award recognises the person of Odisha who has contributed to any field at the national or international level.
iii.The award carries a silver idol of Goddess Saraswati, a copper plaque and a shawl.
About Biswabhusan Harichandan:
i.Biswabhusan Harichandan was born on 3rd August 1934 in Godijhara village in Puri, Odisha.
ii.He was elected to the Assembly of Odisha 5 times.
iii.He served as the Cabinet Minister in 2004.
iv.In July 2019, he was appointed as the Governor of Andhra Pradesh.
Some of his books:
- Matrubhasa
- Bhasa Jhalaka
- Rana Pratap
- Astasikha Manasi
- Sangrama Sarinahi
About Sarala Das:
i.Sarala Das was considered a genius in the field of Odia literature.
ii.The “Sarala Mahabharat” written by Sarala Das in the 15th century is the first complete Mahabharata in a regional language.
Recent related News:
On March 7th 2021, A Lieutenant Governor of Puducherry, Dr Tamilisai Soundararajan was conferred with the Top 20 Global Women of Excellence award – 2021 through a video conference from USA. The award was presented by the USA on the recommendation of a Multi Ethnic Advisory Task Force, headed by US Congressman Danny K. Davis.
About Sarala Sahitya Sansad
President – Sri Sahadeva Sahoo, IAS (Retd.)
Head Quarter – Bhubaneswar, Odisha
