Manoj Kumar Panda to get prestigious Sarala Award

Noted Odia writer Manoj Kumar Panda has been selected for the prestigious Sarala Award for his story book 'Maya Bagicha' and overall literary achievements. The award, carrying a cash prize of Rs 5 lakh along with a citation, will be presented at a function to be held in October this year, the award committee said here. Two more notable personalities of Odisha will also be honoured for their valuable contribution in the field of music and art. While Bhimsen Satpathy will be awarded with Ila Panda Memorial Music Samman, D Narayan Rao will be honoured with Ila Panda Memorial Art Samman, it said. They will receive a cash award of Rs 1.5 lakh each along with citations. A special function will be held on October 26 to felicitate Panda and other awardees. Eminent writer Mridula Garg has consented to be the Chief Guest of the Sarala Award function.The annual Sarala Award was instituted in 1979 by Indian Metals Public Charitable Trust (IMPaCT). IMPaCT is the charitable wing of IMFA Group, the leading and the only fully integrated producer of ferro alloys in India. Sarala Award is recognised as the foremost literary award in Odisha.