Dr. Paresh Rath, writer, researcher and journalist Honoued with Sarala Devi’s Excellence award on the 122nd Birth Anniversary.

Eminent Personalities Felicitated on Sarala Devi’s 122nd birth anniversary of Smt. Sarala Devi, the first woman legislator of Odisha, fearless freedom fighter, prolific writer, and champion of women’s empowerment, was observed with great reverence.

On this occasion, the Sarala Devi Memorial Trust felicitated eminent personalities for their remarkable contributions in diverse fields.The awardees included Shri Pranab Kishore Patnaik, renowned singer; Shri Nikhil Mohan Patnaik, eminent scientist, writer and founder of Sujanika; Shri Manas Das, story writer, poet and social worker; Smt. Bijaylakshmi Sahoo, former minister, social worker and founder of Sukanya; Dr. Paresh Rath, writer, researcher and journalist; Prof. (Dr.) Sucheta Priyabadini, distinguished academician, social scientist and social activist; Shri Suvakanta Padhy, artist and social worker; and Smt. Snehamayee Acharya, social worker.

The Trust lauded their dedication, noting that each of them reflects the ideals of courage, creativity and service to society espoused by Sarala Devi. The felicitation ceremony was seen as not only a tribute to her enduring legacy but also a recognition of the living torchbearers carrying forward her mission of building a brighter, inclusive Odisha and India.

The Trust highlighted that each of the awardees embodies Sarala Devi’s spirit of perseverance, courage, and service to society. “Their contributions mirror the values that Sarala Devi stood for—creativity, compassion, and empowerment,” the organisers stated.

The event thus not only paid homage to the memory of a visionary leader but also celebrated the living torchbearers who are carrying forward her mission of shaping a more inclusive and progressive Odisha and India.