The Fourth Akshaya Upanayasa Puraskar conferred on writer Sri Subranshu Panda

Bhubaneswar, December 17, 2024: The Fourth Akshaya Upanyasa Puraskar, instituted by the Pratibha Ray Foundation Trust in collaboration with Adya Prakashani, was awarded to writer Shri Subhranshu Panda for his acclaimed novel ITARA, published by Pen In Books Publications, Bhubaneswar. The award ceremony, held on December 16, 2024, at Jayadev Bhawan, Bhubaneswar, was organized by the Pratibha Ray Foundation Trust. The honor included a cash prize of ₹51,000, a citation, and a memento.

Dr. Adyasha Das, Vice-President of the Trust, inaugurated the event by presenting an overview of the Trust’s objectives and initiatives.Engineer & writer Pravakar Swain provided an account of the Founder of Adya Prakashani, Akshaya Chandra Ray, in whose memory the award has been instituted. Dr. Basant Panda elaborated on the literary and social significance of ITARA, the award-winning novel.

Eminent writer Dr. Prafulla Kumar Mohanty, the Chief Guest, highlighted the profound harmony of binary opposites—day and night, joy and sorrow, male and female—that define the richness of the universe. He underscored the lack of representation of transgender experiences in Odia literature and praised ITARA for addressing this gap, comparing it favorably to contributions by English writers to the discourse on marginalized identities.

The Guest of Honour, renowned writer Shri Deba Prasad Dash, lauded the legacy of Shri Akshaya Chandra Ray and commended the Trust’s efforts in creating platforms to nurture young literary talent.

Expressing his gratitude, Shri Subhranshu Panda, recipient of the Fourth Akshaya Upanyasa Puraskar, emphasized the role of recognition in motivating writers to pursue their craft with renewed passion. He noted that this prestigious award would further inspire his creative endeavors. Presiding over the ceremony, Jnanpith laureate and Trust President, Dr. Pratibha Ray, reflected on the genesis of the award, emphasizing its purpose to recognize and encourage emerging voices in Odia novel writing.

During the event, ITARA’s publisher, Pen In Books Publications, was honoured with the Sudhi Prakashaka Samman, while Dr. Priyadarshi Praharaj received the Priya Pathaka Samman. Shri Lalit Das, Trustee, delivered the vote of thanks. The program was creatively moderated by renowned Odissi dancer and cultural host Shri Srinibas Ghatuary. The ceremony witnessed an impressive gathering of literary luminaries, celebrating the enduring impact of Odia literature.