Odisha’s literary world has a new name to celebrate. Dr Ashutosh Parida, a well-known Odia poet, essayist, and former CSIR-IMMT scientist, has been chosen for the 47th Sarala Puraskar. The honour recognises his poetry collection, “Bishwas De Pruthwi,” published by Prabha Publication in 2024.
This award ranks among Odisha’s most respected literary prizes. So earning it places Parida in the company of some of the state’s finest writers.
About the Award and the Prize
The Sarala Puraskar comes from the Indian Metals Public Charitable Trust, better known as IMPaCT. This trust serves as the philanthropic arm of Indian Metals & Ferro Alloys Ltd, or IMFA. Every year, IMPaCT presents this award to honour outstanding literary achievement in the Odia language.
The award has a long history too. Odia industrialists Bansidhar Panda and Ila Panda established it back in 1979. Since then, it has grown into one of the state’s most anticipated literary honours.
As for the prize itself, Parida will receive a citation, a copper plaque, and a cash award of ₹7 lakh. Organisers will present everything at a ceremony in Bhubaneswar on October 25, 2026.
How the Winning Work Was Chosen
Getting selected wasn’t a small feat. This year’s jury reviewed a shortlist of seven notable works, spanning poetry, novels, short stories, and drama. That range reflects just how varied Odia literature has become.
The final panel included eminent writers and academics. After careful evaluation, they chose “Bishwas De Pruthwi” for its literary depth and cultural resonance, ultimately setting it apart from the rest of the shortlist.
Who Is Dr Ashutosh Parida?
Parida brings an unusual mix of backgrounds to his literary career. Before turning to writing, he worked as a scientist at CSIR-IMMT, one of India’s premier metallurgy and materials research institutes.
Despite his scientific career, literature has remained central to his life. Over the years, he has built a reputation as a respected poet and essayist within Odisha’s literary community. His scientific training and creative sensibility together give his writing a distinctive voice, one that blends precision with poetic imagination.
A Bigger Celebration of Odisha’s Culture
The Sarala Puraskar wasn’t the only honour announced this year. IMPaCT also revealed the recipients of the Ila-Bansidhar Panda Kala Samman 2026, an award recognising lifetime excellence in the arts.
This year, that recognition went to two respected cultural figures: Odissi maestro and Padma Shri awardee Guru Durga Charan Ranbir, along with veteran artist Damodar Behera. Together, these honours highlight IMPaCT’s broader commitment to celebrating Odisha’s literary and artistic heritage, not just its writers.
Why This Recognition Matters
Awards like the Sarala Puraskar do more than reward individual writers. They also shine a spotlight on regional language literature at a time when many local languages compete for attention against more widely read ones.
By honouring “Bishwas De Pruthwi,” this year’s jury draws fresh national attention to contemporary Odia poetry. That, in turn, encourages both readers and aspiring writers to engage more deeply with the language and its evolving literary tradition.
Quick Facts: 47th Sarala Puraskar
| Detail | Information |
|---|---|
| Recipient | Dr Ashutosh Parida |
| Winning Work | Bishwas De Pruthwi (poetry collection) |
| Publisher | Prabha Publication, 2024 |
| Award Category | Outstanding literary achievement in Odia |
| Instituted By | Indian Metals Public Charitable Trust (IMPaCT) |
| Year Established | 1979 |
| Prize | Citation, copper plaque, ₹7 lakh cash award |
| Ceremony Date | October 25, 2026 |
| Ceremony Location | Bhubaneswar |
| Companion Award | Ila-Bansidhar Panda Kala Samman 2026 (Guru Durga Charan Ranbir & Damodar Behera) |
Frequently Asked Questions
Dr Ashutosh Parida, an Odia poet, essayist, and former CSIR-IMMT scientist, won the award for his poetry collection “Bishwas De Pruthwi.”
It’s an annual literary award instituted by the Indian Metals Public Charitable Trust (IMPaCT) to honour outstanding achievement in Odia literature. Odia industrialists Bansidhar Panda and Ila Panda established it in 1979.
The winner receives a citation, a copper plaque, and a cash prize of ₹7 lakh.
The ceremony will take place in Bhubaneswar on October 25, 2026.
Yes. IMPaCT also announced the Ila-Bansidhar Panda Kala Samman 2026, recognising lifetime excellence in the arts, awarded to Guru Durga Charan Ranbir and Damodar Behera.
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