Bhubaneswar: The Odisha Urdu Academy, an autonomous organization under the Department of Odia Language, Literature and Culture, Government of Odisha, held a special ceremony today at Sankruti Bhawan to honor three distinguished writers with awards for the year 2023.
The ceremony was graced by Speaker of the Odisha Legislative Assembly, Shrimati Surama Padhi, as Chief Guest, and Ekamra Bhubaneswar Lawmaker, Shri Babu Singh, and Shri Chandra Sekhar Hota as Honourable Guests.
Dr. Bijay Ketan Upadhyay, Secretary of Odia Language, Literature and Culture, delivered a detailed address on the State Urdu Academy’s activities and its vital role in promoting the Urdu language in Odisha.
The event, which celebrated the enrichment of Urdu literature and culture in the state, was presided over by Urdu Academy President, Janab Khalid Rahim.
Odisha Assembly Speaker, Smt.Padhi extended her congratulations to all the honored writers. In her address, she praised Urdu as a “sweet language” and acknowledged the many writers and poets who have enriched it through their literary works.
Smt. Padhi also expressed her belief that the award recipients are a source of inspiration for future Urdu writers. She commended the Odisha Urdu Academy for its dedicated efforts in promoting Urdu literature and even recited a poem during the event.
Joining the ceremony as a guest of honor, Bhubaneswar Ekamra MLA, Shri Babu Singh, highlighted the significance of both original and translated Urdu literature. The event celebrated the literary achievements of the honored writers and the ongoing efforts to promote the language in the state.
Award Recipients:
Janab Seikh Anwar Hussain of Bhadrak received the prestigious Amjad Nazmi Award, which included a cheque for ₹3 lakh, a trophy, and a citation.
Janab Abdul Haque Betab of Cuttack was presented with the Dr. Karamat Ali Karamat Award, receiving ₹2 lakh, a trophy, and a citation.
Janab Samiul Haque Sakir of Cuttack was honored with the Shri Rashmikanta Rahi Award, which came with a cheque for ₹1 lakh, a trophy, and a citation.
The ceremony was expertly coordinated by Shrimati Suchismita Mantri, Secretary of the Urdu Academy, while Janab Nafis Manjar Hasan, Vice President of the Academy, concluded the proceedings with a vote of thanks.
The successful event underscored the academy’s commitment to nurturing and celebrating literary talent within the state.