New Delhi: Delhi-based think tank Odisha Forum confered Prestigious Prabasi Odia Samman to 6 eminent persons on July 13 in a glittering function held at PHD Chamber of Commerce and Industry, New Delhi. The award was given by Justice Dipak Misra, Chief Justice of India who was the chief guest of the event.
“I am against the idea of banning movies, books and even the media. I support freedom of speech. That is why I ordered against banning the movie Padmavat when the case came up for hearing in Supreme Court,” he said.
The CJI, meanwhile, also talked about the literary works of luminary poets like Jayadev and Kalidas as well as other literary works of Odia writers and writers from different parts of the world.
Kenyan Parliamentarian Dr. Swarup Ranjan Mishra, space entrepreneur Dr. Susmita Mohanty, internationally acclaimed actress Nandita Das, Dr. Pinaki Panigrahi and
agricultural scientist Dr. Trilochan Mohapatra, international Odissi exponent Sharon Lowen received the awards from Chief Justice of India, Dipak Misra.
Eminent poet and literary critic Sitakanta Mohapatra gave key note address on the 20th annual day of Odisha Forum. Sitakant Mahapatra talked about the rich Odia literature and the Kalinga architecture.
The award function was followed by a scintillating cultural programme including Inauguration of “Rasagola” – a musical offering by Ms Susmita Das and a wonderfully choreographed Odia play “Gunno Bai”. This is the story of a small town boy in a big city — haunted by an identity crisis, quashed between morality of an ideal father and a very immoral city life. The play is written and directed by Chittaranjan Tripathy, renowned film Director from Mumbai.
Justice G.B Patnaik, Ambassador Amarendra Khatua, Pradipta Kumar Sahoo, Ravi Pani were among other dignitaries who attended the award function. The programme was held under the chairmanship of Odisha Forum’s President, Gokul Patnaik.
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