Bhubaneswar: Dr Sitakanta Mohapatra, renowned poet, Padmabibhushan, and Jnanpith Award winner, conferred the first Sukubina Srashta Memorial Award for excellence in the field of Odia literature on Dr Padmaja Paul, well known novelist and short story writer, today at the Rotary Bhavan, Bhubaneswar. Dr Mohapatra who is Chief Guest for the event, inaugurated the program by traditional lighting of the lamp.
Speaking on the occasion, Dr Mohapatra praised the objectives of the Trust in promoting the literature and culture of Odisha and the legacy of the late Japani Babu. He compared his short stories to that of the great master Anton Chekov. He also spoke of his personal connection with Japani Babu which went back many years.
Welcoming the illustrious gathering, Jitendra Narayan Dash (Dash Benhur), popular story teller and literateur, spoke on the legacy of Japani bu and the objectives of the Trust. He described Dr Pal as one of most deserving yet overlooked writers in the literary scene today. Prof Jatindra Kumar Nayak, distinguished critic and writer, presided over the program. He pointed out that it was a fitting tribute for Dr Pal to be honoured by the legendary poet. He described the gathering as the ‘Priya Paridhi’ (Intimate circle), one of the short story collections of Japani Babu which was nominated for the State Sahitya Acadey.
Dr Goura Hari Das, Managing Editor, Sambad Group and award winning novelist, spoke about Japani Babu’s short stories which were masterpieces of storytelling and lauded his contribution to Odia literature. Shri Pradeep Kumar Biswal, Member REDA, and distinguished poet also spoke on the occasion and pointed out that it was a fitting tribute for Dr Pal to be honored by the legendary poet, Dr Mohapatra.
Sidharth Das, trustee and younger son of Sudhir Kumar Bijayendra Narayan, spoke on the genesis of the Trust. Purabi Das, trustee and daughter, delivered the Vote of Thanks.
The Sukubina Srashta Memorial Trust was set up in the memory of Sudhir Kumar Bijayendra Narayan, well known Odia short story writer and philanthropist, popularly known as Japani babu, after his death in July last year, to promote the literature, art and culture of Odisha. The recipient was selected by an eminent panel of judges and trustees, Jitendra Narayan Dash (Dash Benhur), Prof Jatindra Kumar Nayak, Dr Gourahari Das and Pradeep Biswal.
The first volume of Sudhir Kumar Bijayendra Narayan’s complete works entitled ‘Japani Babanka Katha Samahara’ and published by Paschima publications will also be released on the occasion.
The award was set up by Sudhir Kumar Bijayendra Narayan’s family. Mrs Bandana Narayan, his widow, is the Managing Trustee.
