47th Sarala Puraskar
Noted Odia poet, essayist and former CSIR-IMMT scientist Dr. Ashutosh Parida has been selected for the 47th Sarala Puraskar for his poetry collection Bishwas De Pruthwi, published by Prabha Publication in 2024. The award recognises outstanding literary achievement in Odia literature and carries a ₹7 lakh cash prize, citation and copper plaque. The award ceremony is scheduled for 25 October 2026 in Bhubaneswar, Odisha.
What is Sarala Puraskar?
The Sarala Puraskar is a prominent literary honour associated with Odisha. It is administered by the Indian Metals Public Charitable Trust (IMPaCT), the charitable trust associated with Indian Metals & Ferro Alloys Ltd (IMFA). The award recognises significant contributions to Odia literature.
Dr. Parida’s Bishwas De Pruthwi was selected from a final shortlist of seven books representing different literary forms. The shortlisted works included poetry, stories, novels, short stories and drama.
Ila-Bansidhar Panda Kala Samman 2026
Alongside the Sarala Puraskar, IMPaCT announced the 2026 Ila-Bansidhar Panda Kala Samman, which recognises lifetime excellence in the arts.
The award will be presented to:
| Awardee | Field | Award |
|---|---|---|
| Guru Durga Charan Ranbir | Odissi / Performing Arts | Citation, copper plaque + ₹2.5 lakh |
| Damodar Behera | Sculpture & Visual Arts | Citation, copper plaque + ₹2.5 lakh |
Guru Durga Charan Ranbir is an Odissi maestro and Padma Shri awardee, while Damodar Behera is recognised as a sculptor and art educator.
Important Facts for Exams
- 47th Sarala Puraskar: Dr. Ashutosh Parida.
- Winning work: Bishwas De Pruthwi.
- Genre: Poetry.
- Publication: Prabha Publication, 2024.
- Award amount: ₹7 lakh.
- Awarding organisation: Indian Metals Public Charitable Trust (IMPaCT).
- Ceremony: 25 October 2026, Bhubaneswar.
- Kala Samman 2026: Guru Durga Charan Ranbir and Damodar Behera.
- Odia is included in the Eighth Schedule of the Constitution and was recognised as a Classical Language of India in 2014.
