Banaj Devi to receive Sarala award for 'Kathapua'

Noted Odia poet and short story writer Banaj Devi will be honoured with the 38th edition of prestigious Sarala award for her short story compilation "Kathapua".
The annual Sarala Puraskar, recognised as one of the foremost literary awards of the state, comprises a cash award of Rs 5 lakh along with a citation.
Given away every year by Indian Metals Public Charitable Trust (IMPaCT), Sarala Puraskar would be presented to her at a special function to be held on October 26 here, a release from IMPaCT said.
Besides Banaj Devi, two more prominent personalities of Odisha will be honoured for their valuable contribution in the field of music and art.

While Pandeet Guru Dr Ghasiram Mishra will be awarded 'Ila Panda Sangeet Samman', Dr Durga Prasad Das will receive 'Ila Panda Chitrakala Samman'. They will receive a cash award of Rs 1,50,000 each and citations.
Eminent writer Mamang Dai has consented to be the Chief Guest of the Sarala Award function, the release said.
The Sarala Puraskar, instituted by Odia industrialist Dr Bansidhar Panda and Late Ila Pnada in 1979, has been continuously awarded by IMPaCT, the charitable wing of IMFA Group, the only fully integrated producer of ferro alloys in India.
The award seeks to glorify Odia literature. The Ekalavya Award also has been instituted by IMPaCT to encourage promising sports talents of Odisha.