Oriya literateur Prathiba Rai for Amirthakeerthi Puraskaram

Kollam, Sep 20 (UNI) Noted Oriya literateur Prathiba Rai would be honoured with the ''Amrithakeerthi Puraskaram'', instituted by the Mata Amritanandamayi Math to honour those who proved their excellence in Indian social and cultural sectors.

In a release, Vice-Chairman of the Math Swami Amritaswaroopananda today said the award carrying a cash prize of Rs 1,23,456 and a plaque would be presented to her on September 27, in connection with the birthday celebrations of the hugging sage Mata Amritanandmayi.

She was selected for the award for her contributions to social renaissance, culture and literature during the last 30 years, the release added.

Daughter of renowned Oriya poet Parasuram, she started her career as a teacher, had won several awards, including Jnanapeetam Murthidev Award, Kendra Akadami Award and Orissa Akadami Award.

The 53rd birthday of ''Amma'', as called by her devotees around the world, would be celebrated at Amirthapury on September 26 and 27.

The birthday celebrations, in which Union and State Ministers were expected to participate, would begin a new chain of welfare projects, including handing over the keys of the houses to the tsunami affected people and mass marriage of the poor.

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