Ashutosh Parida Chosen for Sarala Puraskar 2026

Ashutosh Parida Wins the Literary Honour

Ashutosh Parida Chosen for Sarala Puraskar 2026: Renowned Odia poet and essayist Ashutosh Parida has been selected for the Sarala Puraskar 2026 for his poetry collection ‘Bishwas De Pruthwi’. The award recognises outstanding literary achievement in the Odia language.

Parida, who has also worked as a scientist at CSIR-IMMT, was selected from a final shortlist of seven books. His recognition highlights the connection between scientific experience and creative literary expression.

Static GK fact: Odia is one of the 22 languages included in the Eighth Schedule of the Constitution of India.

Prize and Presentation

The Sarala Puraskar is an annual literary award instituted by the Indian Metals Public Charitable Trust (IMPaCT). The honour carries a ₹7 lakh cash prize, a citation and a copper plaque.

The formal presentation ceremony for the 2026 award is scheduled to be held in Bhubaneswar on 25 October 2026. Parida will receive the award for his contribution to Odia poetry through his selected collection.

Seven Books in the Final Shortlist

The final selection process considered seven shortlisted books. Besides Parida’s Bishwas De Pruthwi, the shortlisted works were authored by Aparna Mohanty, Padmaja Pal, Archana Nayak, Bijay Nayak, Prakash Mahapatra and Ramesh Prasad Panigrahi.

The shortlisting panel included Indira Dash, Pratiksha Jena, Amiya Bej, Pradip Kumar Panda and Abhay Nayak.

Ila-Bansidhar Panda Kala Samman 2026

The same award programme also recognises outstanding achievements in the field of arts through the Ila-Bansidhar Panda Kala Samman 2026.

Two distinguished Odisha artists have been selected for the honour: Guru Durga Charan Ranbir, an Odissi maestro, and Damodar Behera, a sculptor and art educator.

Each recipient will receive a certificate, copper plaque and ₹2.5 lakh cash prize for their lifelong contributions to the arts.

Static GK Tip: Odissi is one of India’s eight classical dance forms and originated in Odisha.

Jury for the Literary Award

The final Sarala Puraskar jury comprised Sucheta Mishra, Hrushikesh Mallick, Sangram Jena, Swapna Mishra, Natabar Satapathy, Sarojini Sahoo and Ajay Kumar Mohapatra.

The selection reflects the award’s emphasis on literary merit and significant contributions to Odia-language writing.

Importance of Sarala Puraskar

The Sarala Puraskar is regarded as one of the important literary honours associated with Odisha’s cultural landscape. By recognising contemporary Odia writers, it contributes to the preservation and promotion of the state’s rich literary heritage.

The 2026 selection of Ashutosh Parida brings attention to Odia poetry while also highlighting his distinctive background as a scientist and literary figure.

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Ashutosh Parida Chosen for Sarala Puraskar 2026: