Literary legacy of Sarala Das remembered
Kalinga Ratna 2024 Celebrates Dharmendra Pradhan’s Cultural Contributions: President Droupadi Murmu conferred the Kalinga Ratna Award 2024 upon Union Education Minister Dharmendra Pradhan during a ceremony in Cuttack, Odisha. The award event marked the 600th birth anniversary of Adikabi Sarala Das, Odisha’s literary pioneer.
The function was organized by Sarala Sahitya Sansad, a prominent literary body that celebrates Odisha’s cultural heritage. The event served as a reminder of literature’s power to unify India’s rich linguistic fabric.
Static GK fact: Sarala Das is known for writing the Odia Mahabharata, which made classical literature accessible to the common people in Odisha.
National vision through cultural pride
In her address, President Murmu highlighted how India’s linguistic diversity forms the core of its cultural identity. She stressed that such awards help in preserving regional languages and their literary traditions.
She drew attention to the National Education Policy (NEP) 2020, noting its emphasis on mother tongue education, which fosters deeper understanding and cultural connection for young learners.
Static GK Tip: NEP 2020 was approved by the Union Cabinet on 29 July 2020, replacing the 1986 policy, and focuses on foundational literacy and multilingual education.
Dharmendra Pradhan’s contribution
The Kalinga Ratna Award, instituted by Sarala Sahitya Sansad, is given annually to individuals who have significantly contributed to education, literature, or public service. This year’s awardee, Dharmendra Pradhan, was recognized for championing educational reforms, promoting vernacular languages, and implementing key features of NEP 2020.
Static GK fact: Dharmendra Pradhan represents the Sambalpur constituency and currently serves as the Union Minister of Education and Skill Development.
Honouring other literary voices
The event also witnessed the felicitation of Bijaya Nayak, a renowned short story writer, with the Sarala Samman. This award is among Odisha’s most esteemed literary honours, acknowledging outstanding work in contemporary Odia literature.
These recognitions not only encourage individual excellence but also push forward the cause of preserving and nurturing regional literary traditions.
Celebrating unity in diversity
The Kalinga Ratna 2024 ceremony served a larger national purpose. It reaffirmed India’s identity as a linguistically inclusive nation, where every language contributes to the democratic and cultural ethos of the country.
By recognizing literary and educational contributions, India continues to build a future rooted in knowledge, inclusion, and cultural pride.
Static Usthadian Current Affairs Table
Kalinga Ratna 2024 Celebrates Dharmendra Pradhan’s Cultural Contributions:
| Fact | Detail |
| Kalinga Ratna Award 2024 | Conferred to Dharmendra Pradhan |
| Presented by | President Droupadi Murmu |
| Occasion | 600th birth anniversary of Sarala Das |
| Event Organizer | Sarala Sahitya Sansad |
| Sarala Das | Author of the Odia Mahabharata |
| NEP 2020 | Promotes education in mother tongue |
| Dharmendra Pradhan | Union Minister of Education |
| Sarala Samman 2024 | Awarded to Bijaya Nayak |
| Focus of Event | Promotion of Indian languages and literature |
| Venue | Cuttack, Odisha |
