Fakir Mohan Sahitya Shri Samman’ Conferred on Eminent Storyteller Ramachandra Behera
Balasore, Jan 17 (Krushna Kumar Mohanty): On the second day of the Jayanti celebrations of Vyasa Kabi Fakir Mohan Senapati, the main programme along with a felicitation ceremony was held at Kavitirtha Shantikanan, paying rich tribute to the legendary pioneer of Odia prose and fiction.
In the morning, floral tributes were offered at Fakir Mohan’s Samadhi Peeth near Chhatua Pokhari under the leadership of Vice-President Dinabandhu Lenka, in the presence of senior members Dr Ramakanta Nayak and Dr Satrughna Mallik, along with students of Nayana Kumari School and Balia Shishu Mandir. Thereafter, floral wreaths were offered at Fakir Mohan’s statue at the Shantikanan premises by the Chief Guest, eminent storyteller and former Chief Secretary Tarun Kanti Mishra, and distinguished guest Professor Ramachandra Behera. This was followed by the main meeting and felicitation programme.
This year, the Parishad’s highest honour, the ‘Fakir Mohan Sahitya Shri Samman’, was conferred on renowned storyteller Professor Ramachandra Behera. The Haji Ashraf Udaya Prativa Puraskar’ was awarded to young writer Priyanka Priyadarshani Das. Several memorial awards instituted in the names of eminent personalities were also presented to individuals for their notable contributions in different fields.
Dr Harischandra Behera formally invited the guests to the dais. In his speech, Professor Ramachandra Behera observed that Fakir Mohan, through animal imagery and symbolism, portrayed human nature and moral traits with remarkable precision. Chief Guest Tarun Kanti Mishra remarked that timeless literature reflects the contours of human suffering, and that this essence is evident in every creative work of Fakir Mohan.
The meeting was presided over by Dr Subas Chandra Patra, President of Fakir Mohan Sahitya Parishad. Secretary Dr Ratnakar Singh delivered the introductory address, while Executive Committee member Dr Sarangadhar Tripathy coordinated the stage proceedings.
At the outset, former English Professor of Fakir Mohan Autonomous College, Vijay Kumar De, presented a brief history of the Fakir Mohan Sahitya Parishad.
On the occasion, the Parishad’s journal ‘Sahitya Bahika’ was formally released, along with ‘Bhinna Desha Bhinna Prakriti’ by Pushpanjali Karankar.
The award and felicitation ceremony was conducted by Treasurer Tapan Roy, who also delivered the concluding remarks.
In the afternoon, a joint programme organised by Fakir Mohan Sahitya Parishad and Odisha Sahitya Akademi was held under the chairmanship of Dr Subas Chandra Patra. Sahitya Akademi Assistant Secretary Sanjay Kumar Chhuaal Singh spoke on the Akademi’s commitment to literary stalwarts. Chief Guest Dr Arabinda Giri stated that Fakir Mohan dedicated his life to social service through the development of the Odia community. Chief Speaker Professor Krushnachandra Pradhan of Fakir Mohan University described Fakir Mohan as a classic creator who harmonised art, time, imagination, and thought, making him a truly timeless literary figure. Professor Debashish Patra highlighted that the excellence of Fakir Mohan Senapati is often crystallised in the concluding lines of his short stories, citing examples.
The session concluded with a vote of thanks by Executive Member Smrutilekha De.
In the evening, the play ‘Garudimantra’ was staged by women members of the Fakir Mohan Sahitya Parishad. The dramatic adaptation of Fakir Mohan’s story ‘Garudimantra’ was done by Dr Harischandra Behera, with direction by Arnab Kar.
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