Odisha's Doctor A K Mahapatra and Sculptor A C Gadanayak Honoured with Padma Shri Award

Four distinguished individuals from Odisha have been honoured with the Padma Shri, India's fourth highest civilian award. These awards recognise their contributions to medicine, art, and literature. Dr. Ashok Kumar Mahapatra was acknowledged for his work in medicine, while Adwaita Charan Gadanayak and Durga Charan Ranbir were celebrated for their achievements in art. Pratibha Satpathy received recognition for her contributions to literature and education.

Dr. Mahapatra expressed gratitude to Lord Jagannath following the announcement of the Padma awardees. He mentioned that he dedicated his life to serving people without expecting any accolades. "I thank the Centre and the Government of Odisha. I am already 74 and this award is a recognition," he stated. Dr. Mahapatra became well-known in Odisha after leading a team that performed a rare craniopagus surgery on conjoined twins Jaga-Kalia at AIIMS, New Delhi, in 2017.

Recognition in Art and Literature

Adwaita Charan Gadanayak, hailing from Dhenkanal district, is renowned for his stone carvings. His works include themes like Mahatma Gandhi’s Salt March and the central memorial structure at the National Police Memorial. He also sculpted the statue of Subhas Chandra Bose at the National War Memorial complex. "I am absolutely happy and cannot think that a man, from a remote village of Dhenkanal district, doing stone works could get such a prestigious award. Thanks all," he remarked.

Durga Charan Ranbir is a respected Odissi Dance Guru known for his skill in playing the Pakhawaj. He has received numerous accolades throughout his career. Pratibha Satpathy is a celebrated poet in Odia literature and is recognised as one of India's leading poets. She has also been awarded the Sahitya Akademi Award for her literary contributions.

State Pride and Acknowledgement

Chief Minister Mohan Charan Majhi congratulated these four Odia personalities on X for their achievements. He expressed pride in their accomplishments, stating, "My heartfelt congratulations and best wishes to all the winners who are going to be honoured with the prestigious Padma Awards for their talent and lifelong dedication." He specifically praised Dr. Ashok Mahapatra for his contributions to medicine, artists Adwaita Charan Gadanayak and Durga Charan Ranbir for their work in art, and Pratibha Satpathy for her impact on literature and education.

The Chief Minister also extended his prayers to Lord Jagannath for a bright future for all awardees, highlighting the pride felt by the people of Odisha for these distinguished individuals.