Bhubaneswar: Acclaimed Odia author Subhransu Panda was conferred with the esteemed Akshaya Upanyasa Puraskara 2024 for his thought-provoking novel, ITARA.
The award, instituted by celebrated author Padma Bhushan Dr Pratibha Ray, recognizes outstanding contributions to Odia literature.
The Akshaya Upanyasa Puraskara, founded by renowned author Dr Pratibha Ray in 2021 in remembrance of her late spouse, honours outstanding Odia novelists under 50. The prestigious award comprises a plaque, certificate, and ₹51,000 cash prize. This year, Subhransu Panda was chosen to receive this esteemed recognition.
Panda’s novel, ITARA, published by PEN IN BOOKS, is a pioneering work in Odia literature, addressing the LGBTQ+ issue and shedding light on the struggles of transwomen in Odisha. The author hopes that his book will inspire a shift in societal perception towards the transgender community.
The award ceremony, held at Jayadev Bhawan in Bhubaneswar, was attended by prominent literary figures, including Professor Prafulla Kumar Mohanty, Debaprasad Dash and Pratibha Ray. Panda’s work has been widely acclaimed for its thought-provoking themes and well-researched narrative.
As Panda accepted the award, he emphasized the role of literature in catalyzing social change. “A book can’t change society directly, but it can fuel the idea of change,” he said.
Odia literature has long been devoid of meaningful exploration into the significant social issue of transgender rights. Despite its importance, many authors have hesitated to tackle this sensitive topic. However, Subhransu Panda firmly believes that all writers are inherently activists, regardless of their subject matter.
According to Panda, a writer’s words carry immense weight, and their writing can be a powerful catalyst for change. To authentically portray the struggles of the transgender community in his novel, ITARA, Panda immersed himself in their stories, engaging in extensive interactions and listening to their experiences by meeting the community extensively.
ITARA by Panda narrates the life journey of Gobinda, a Kinnara (transgender), who struggles with multiple identities, including Baba, Tila, Gopi, Leena, and Kareena, as society pressures them to conform to a single male identity.
It is pertinent to mention that Panda’s literary contributions have been recognized through numerous awards and publications. His novels, including Susamachara (his first novel) and Shilpa Bhagabata (his second novel), have been widely praised for their unique themes and narrative styles. With over 10 books to his credit, Panda continues to be a prominent voice in Odia literature.
Currently, Panda has two upcoming novels in progress. Notably, he has been researching and writing a historical novel on the life of Odia monarch Kapilendra Deba since 2019.
