In a press conference organized by Shri Gangadhar Rath Foundation on 20.02.2018, the prestigious Sahitya Bharati Samman, “Gagadhar Rath Smaraki Samman” and other awards were announced for the year 2017.

The prestigious “SAHITYA BHARATI SAMMAN” shall be awarded to renowned writer Dr Satkodi Hota for his research pursuits and outstanding contribution to the upliftment of Oriya Culture. The Samman carries a silver emblem of the Sun Temple of Konark and a cash prize of Rupee One Lakh.

Three additional prizes shall also be awarded.

The “BHANUJEE RAO SMARAKI PURASKAR” shall be presented to eminent poet Shri Hrushikesh Mallick and “BINAPANI MOHANTY KATHA SAHITYA PURASKAR” to eminent fictionist Smt Alaka Chand. Both awards carry cash prizes of Rupees Twenty Five Thousand each.

The “SUBRAT RATH SMARAKI PURASKAR” of Rupees Ten Thousand each shall be presented to Kathakar Smt. Baijayanti Mishra and poet Shri Amiya Ranjan Mohapatra.

In memory of the founder Shri Rath, “SHRI GANGADHAR RATH SMARAKI SAMMAN” shall be bestowed upon noted educationalist Prof Dr Pravhat Kumar Mishra for his achievements in the field of education and sports over the last five decades.

The awards shall be presented by Hon’ble Chief Justice Shri Vineet Saran at Kala Vikash Kendra, Cuttack on Sunday, the 11th of March, 2018 at 6.30 pm. Dr Archana Nayak shall grace the occasion as Chief Speaker and Trustee Dr Jayant Rath will oreside over the function.