The prestigious Gangadhar national award for poetry-2010 was conferred on Odia poet and retired IAS officer Rajendra Kishore Panda at the 45th foundation day function of Sambalpur University on Monday. Panda is the 20th recipient of the award that carries a cash prize of Rs 50,000, a shawl and a citation. But the poet was not present to receive the award because he is sick.
The award was constituted by Sambalpur University in memory of poet Gangadhar Meher (1862-1924) who is known as Swabhab Kabi. “Rajendra Panda was selected for the award for his work on modern Odia poetry,” vice-chancellor B C Barik said.
The former vice-chancellor of Swami Ramanand Teerth Marathwada (SRTM) University and Rajya Sabha member Janardhan Madhavrao Waghmare was the chief guest at the function. He also felicitated eminent scribe of Rourkela Devendra Narayan Pati for his contribution toward promotion of education in the Steel City. Retired employees of the University were also felicitated.
