Odisha: Noted writer Pratibha Ray nominated for Padma Bhushan, six others from state to get Padma Shri

BHUBANESWAR: Eminent writer Pratibha Ray has been selected for the Padma Bhushan award 2022 for her contribution to the field of literature and education. Six other eminent persons from Odisha have been selected for Padma Shri Awards. The Centre announced the Padma Awards -- the highest civilian awards on Tuesday.
“I am happy for the award as my state is happy and all my readers are happy. I am very delighted that the Centre gave recognition to works in my language, which is a classical language.I have never disconnected myself from writing. The award will certainly increase my responsibility,” said Ray, the Jnanpith and Moortidevi awardee.
Other eminent persons who have been selected for the coveted Padma Shri awards included Odissi vocalist Shyamamani Devi for art, Pramod Bhagat for sports, Narasingha Prasad Guru for literature and education, Aditya Prasad Dash for science and technology, Srimad Baba Balia for social work, and Guruprasad Mohapatra (posthumous) in civil service category.
Jubilation gripped western Odisha after the announcement of Padma Shri award for para-badminton player Pramod Bhagat, and writer Narasingha Prasad Guru.
When contacted, Pramod said, “I am extremely delighted to know that I have been nominated for the prestigious Padma Shri award. The year 2021 was a great year for me and at the beginning of 2022, I was nominated for Padma Shri. It is a great honour for me. This will motivate and inspire me and players like me,” he said.
Writer Nrusingha Prasad Guru said, “I am really happy that the government considered me worthy of this coveted award.”
Noted vocalist Shyamamani Devi said, "The award is a recognition to my 72 years of musical journey. With my sincere efforts, I have tried to take Odissi music to a respectable position. The journey will go on."
Aditya Prasad Dash, a biologist has significantly contributed in the field of malaria and vector-borne diseases (VBD) in developing various tools, technologies and strategies in VBDs. Dash worked for more than 35 years in research at the Institute of Life Science and Indian Council of Medical Research and also leading positions in strengthening and establishing research and academic capabilities, and networking of centres of excellence in many countries in the South East Asia region.