Bhubaneswar, 19
September 2026: The Sixth Akshaya Upanyasa Puraskar, instituted by the Pratibha
Ray Foundation Trust and Adya Prakashani, was conferred on writer Dr. Lalatendu
Sahoo for his remarkable novel Ghat
Muhaan Danga, published by Pakhighar Publications, Bhubaneswar. The award
was presented at an elegant ceremony held at Jayadev Bhawan, Bhubaneswar, on 19
September 2026.
Ghat
Muhaan Danga is a compelling and evocative work that
explores the human predicament amid social upheaval. The novel brings together
the forces of society, circumstance and human resilience, offering a powerful
reflection on how ordinary lives are shaped.
The award has been
instituted in memory of eminent engineer Shri Akshaya Chandra Ray, founder of
the renowned publishing house Adya Prakashani. Dr. Adyasha Das, Vice-President
of the Trust, presented an overview of the Trust and its multi-pronged
objectives. Speaking on the occasion, she said that the honour reflects the
Trust’s deep regard for literary excellence and its unwavering commitment to
encouraging creativity, originality and innovation in Odia literature.
Dr. Basant Panda,
Adviser, PRF Trust, spoke on the significance of the award-winning novel Ghat
Muhaan Danga. The Chief Guest, eminent writer Devdas Chhotray, said that
receiving an award instituted by the Trust of Jnanpith laureate Pratibha Ray
was a blessing. He observed that such recognition would encourage young writers
to choose the novel as a creative genre
Eminent writer Gourhari Das, Chief Speaker, extolled
the virtues of Shri Akshaya Chandra Ray and praised the Trust’s endeavour to
create opportunities and encouragement for young writers.
Dr. Lalatendu Sahoo, the awardee, expressed that
such recognition strengthened his literary pursuits and said that receiving the
Akshaya Upanyasa Puraskar had further motivated him to devote himself to his
creative work.
Eminent writer Dr. Pratibha Ray, President of the
Trust, stated that the award was conceived to recognise young writers and
encourage emerging talent in the field of Odia novel writing. Lalit Das, Member
of the Trust, proposed the vote of thanks.
On the occasion, Shri Banoj Tripathy of Pakhighar
Publications, publisher of Ghat Muhaan Danga,
and Er. Prasant Kumar Acharya were felicitated with the
“Sudhi Prakashak” and “Priya Pathaka” Samman, respectively. The ceremony was
attended by several distinguished personalities and literary luminaries.
