Renowned Linguist Debi Prasanna Pattanayak to Receive Inaugural World Odia Language Award
Feature: Internationally acclaimed linguist and writer Debi Prasanna Pattanayak is set to be honored with the first World Odia Language Award. The prestigious accolade will be presented during the upcoming three-day World Odia Language Conference, where Chief Minister Naveen Patnaik will confer the award.
Official sources announced on Wednesday that Dr. Pattanayak will receive a cash prize of Rs 20 lakh along with a citation as part of the award. His extensive research has significantly enriched the Odia language, making him a distinguished figure in the field.
Dr. Pattanayak, renowned as a scholar, researcher, linguist, and writer, has gained nationwide acclaim as the founder director of the Indian Language Institute. His efforts towards the development of Indian languages were acknowledged with the prestigious Padma Shri award. Notably, his invaluable contributions played a pivotal role in securing classical status for the Odia language.
The selection committee, comprised of eminent personalities including G Uma Maheshwar Rao, President of the Indian Language Council, Prof Sabita Pradhan, Vice-Chancellor of Odia University, Prof. P K Swain, Vice-Chancellor of Utkal University of Culture, and Prof. Basant Kumar Panda, Project Director of the Centre of Excellence for Studies in Classical Odia of the Indian government, unanimously recommended Dr. Pattanayak for this esteemed award.
The first World Odia Language Conference is expected to be a platform for linguistic discussions, cultural celebrations, and recognition of individuals who have made outstanding contributions to the Odia language. As the conferment of the World Odia Language Award takes center stage, it symbolizes a tribute to linguistic excellence and a commitment to preserving and promoting the richness of the Odia language on a global scale.
