President Droupadi Murmu conferred the Kalinga Ratna Award-2024 upon Union Education Minister Dharmendra Pradhan in Cuttack, Odisha. The prestigious award ceremony took place during the 600th birth anniversary celebrations of Adikabi Sarala Das, a revered 15th-century Odia poet, hosted by the Sarala Sahitya Sansad.
Background and Context
- Sarala Das: Known as the Adikabi of Odia literature, Sarala Das composed the Odia Mahabharata, a significant work that enriched India’s linguistic diversity and literary tradition in Odisha.
- Sarala Sahitya Sansad: A literary organization that honors Sarala Das’s legacy through awards and scholarly events.
Aim and Highlights of the Event
- The event aimed to pay tribute to Sarala Das’s life and literary contributions while promoting linguistic inclusiveness and cultural heritage.
- President Murmu: Emphasized the importance of India’s linguistic diversity and the role of literature in connecting culture, language, and education.
- National Education Policy (NEP) 2020: Highlighted for its emphasis on education in the mother tongue to help children connect with their roots.
The Kalinga Ratna Award 2024
- The Kalinga Ratna Award is an annual honor by the Sarala Sahitya Sansad, recognizing individuals excelling in education, literature, culture, or public service.
- Dharmendra Pradhan: Recognized for his dedication to educational reforms and promotion of Indian languages.
Additional Honors
- Bijaya Nayak: Received the Sarala Samman, a prestigious literary award in Odisha, for his contributions to contemporary Odia literature.
Key Takeaways for Competitive Exams
- Kalinga Ratna Award: Recognizes contributions in education, literature, culture, or public service annually.
- Sarala Das: Known as the Adikabi of Odia literature for his pioneering works.
- National Education Policy (NEP) 2020: Emphasizes education in mother tongue for cultural preservation.
