Bhubaneswar: Vice Chancellor of Kalahandi University Professor Sanjay Kumar Satpathy will be conferred with this year’s prestigious ‘Devgiri Samman’ for his lifelong contribution in the field of education, literature and culture. The eminent educationist, writer, actor, lyricist, singer, and anchor will be conferred with this highest honor of Devgiri Sanskrutik Anusthan.
Prof. Satpathy has guided more than 25 PhD researchers and served in various colleges and universities of the state. He has published several articles in various national and international journals and has represented India in several international conferences. Apart from publishing many of his poetry, story, drama, criticism books, many books published by the Odisha State Bureau of Text Book Preparation and Production are being taught at the university level.
As an anchor, he has been involved in stage, radio and television productions since 1971. He is a recognized lyricist and singer of All India Radio and a regular television host. He has been associated with Blood Donation Camp, Women Empowerment, AIDS Awareness, Drug De-addiction Campaign, Road Safety, Swachh Bharat Abhiyan, Cancer Awareness, Plantation, Youth Red Cross, etc.
Similarly, this year’s ‘Devgiri Yuva Samman’ will be given to budding young writer and actor Dileswar Rana. Dileswar, son of Braja Rana and Bidusuta Rana of Dhanramal village in Narla block of Kalahandi district, has been active in acting and literary organizations along with writing fiction and poetry.
His short story collection ‘Senrra’ has gained immense popularity, while his novel ‘Melibhuin’ has been recently published by the National Book Trust. He has received PM Yuva Mentorship, Katha Nabapratibha Puraskar, Kadambini Galpa Unmesh Puraskar, Tapasya Sambhabana Puraskar, Pallavan Shabda Samman and has participated in Sahitya Akademi’s ‘Yuva Sahiti’ program for literary practice.
Likewise, he acted in various theaters in the country and acted in the Bollywood film ‘A Red Shirt’ alongside actor Raghubir Yadav. At present, Dileswar, deployed in the Tribal Resource Center of the District Education Department, is the Convener of the Global Liferature Foundation.
Both of them will be honored on the occasion of the 30th anniversary celebrations of Devgiri Sanskrutik Anusthan and the state-level Kumarswami Mahotsav, which will be held at Budhipadar in Narla block of Kalahandi district from December 2 to 4.