Talent knows no boundaries when pursued with diligence and dedication. People often strive to make a name for themselves in the fields they are passionate about. Whether it is dance, music, art, or any other form of expression, every artist pours his heart and soul into perfecting the craft, taking it to a level that earns him the recognition he deserves.
The world has many people filled with talent serving as an inspiration to their younger generation. Through their passion and hard work, they make those who look up to them, as well as those who share their journey, incredibly proud. This year many eminent personalities received the prestigious Padma Shri award for their unparalleled contribution to society.
Today, we celebrate some of Odisha’s gems who have received prestigious honors, including the Padma Shri award. It’s a proud moment for the state, as its talent is being recognized on a national level.
1. Adwaita Charana Garnaik:
Sculptors and their art are celebrated worldwide. A great sculptor is recognized for their ability to make their sculptures look realistic. Adwaita Charan Garnaik is one such sculptor. A well-known figure in the field of fine arts, Garnaik has significantly contributed to bringing Odisha’s traditional and contemporary art forms into the spotlight.
Known for his unmatched talent and creativity, he has left his mark with notable works such as the statue of Mahatma Gandhi’s Salt March at Rajghat, the statue of Netaji Subhas Chandra Bose at the National War Memorial Complex, and the central memorial structure at the National Police Memorial, and earlier served as the head of School of Sculpture at the Kalinga Institute of Industrial Technology, Bhubaneswar.
For his exceptional contributions, he was honored with the Padma Shri award by the Government of India.
2. Durga Charan Ranbir:
Durga Charan Ranbir is one of the leading faces of Odissi dance. Over the years, he has made major contributions to the art form with his dedication and innovation. After years of dedicated training, Ranbir, a trained Guru himself, has nurtured many young talents and helped them discover their potential as Odissi dancers.
Born in 1951 into a Zamindar family in Odisha, Ranbir faced opposition when pursuing art and culture, as he was encouraged to focus on academics instead. However, his unwavering dedication led him to enroll at the Utkala Sangeeta Mahavidyalaya, where he received formal training in Odissi dance. He has proved us, that where there is a will, there will be a way too!
He was recently conferred the Padma Shri.
3. Pratibha Satpathy:
Pratibha Satpathy is a veteran of Odia literature and a proud recipient of numerous awards and honors. For all the art and literature enthusiasts, her books offer deep insights into the richness of Odisha’s culture and heritage, giving them an interesting read.
Several of her works have been translated from Odia to English, and they have a huge circulation among the non-Odia audience as well. Through her essays, novels, and short stories, she explores the intricacies of Odisha’s heritage while capturing the essence of human relationships and emotions. Some of her novels resonate deeply with readers, leaving a lasting impact. As an educator, Satpathy has inspired countless aspiring writers and poets, who look up to her as their Guru.
She was conferred with the Padma Shri award in January 2025.
4. Dr. Ashok Mahapatra:
Odisha has produced gems not only in the fields of art and literature but also in medical science. Dr. Ashok Kumar Mahapatra, a distinguished personality in neuroscience, has played a pivotal role in revolutionizing neurosurgical treatments, bringing unmatched laurels to the state.
He was honored with Padma Shri in January 2025.
With his sheer dedication and perseverance, Dr. Mohapatra serves as a shining inspiration for all aspiring doctors, who wish to serve for the greater good of society and make the world a healthier place to live.
Odia Samaj extends its best wishes to all the winners and wishes them all the very best for their future endeavors. Their names will go down into history as Odisha’s most influential figures, whose legacy will be forever.
Talent knows no boundaries when pursued with diligence and dedication. People often strive to make a name for themselves in the fields they are passionate about. Whether it is dance, music, art, or any other form of expression, every artist pours his heart and soul into perfecting the craft, taking it to a level that earns him the recognition he deserves.
The world has many people filled with talent serving as an inspiration to their younger generation. Through their passion and hard work, they make those who look up to them, as well as those who share their journey, incredibly proud. This year many eminent personalities received the prestigious Padma Shri award for their unparalleled contribution to society.
Today, we celebrate some of Odisha’s gems who have received prestigious honors, including the Padma Shri award. It’s a proud moment for the state, as its talent is being recognized on a national level.
1. Adwaita Charana Garnaik:
Sculptors and their art are celebrated worldwide. A great sculptor is recognized for their ability to make their sculptures look realistic. Adwaita Charan Garnaik is one such sculptor. A well-known figure in the field of fine arts, Garnaik has significantly contributed to bringing Odisha’s traditional and contemporary art forms into the spotlight.
Known for his unmatched talent and creativity, he has left his mark with notable works such as the statue of Mahatma Gandhi’s Salt March at Rajghat, the statue of Netaji Subhas Chandra Bose at the National War Memorial Complex, and the central memorial structure at the National Police Memorial, and earlier served as the head of School of Sculpture at the Kalinga Institute of Industrial Technology, Bhubaneswar.
For his exceptional contributions, he was honored with the Padma Shri award by the Government of India.
2. Durga Charan Ranbir:
Durga Charan Ranbir is one of the leading faces of Odissi dance. Over the years, he has made major contributions to the art form with his dedication and innovation. After years of dedicated training, Ranbir, a trained Guru himself, has nurtured many young talents and helped them discover their potential as Odissi dancers.
Born in 1951 into a Zamindar family in Odisha, Ranbir faced opposition when pursuing art and culture, as he was encouraged to focus on academics instead. However, his unwavering dedication led him to enroll at the Utkala Sangeeta Mahavidyalaya, where he received formal training in Odissi dance. He has proved us, that where there is a will, there will be a way too!
He was recently conferred the Padma Shri.
3. Pratibha Satpathy:
Pratibha Satpathy is a veteran of Odia literature and a proud recipient of numerous awards and honors. For all the art and literature enthusiasts, her books offer deep insights into the richness of Odisha’s culture and heritage, giving them an interesting read.
Several of her works have been translated from Odia to English, and they have a huge circulation among the non-Odia audience as well. Through her essays, novels, and short stories, she explores the intricacies of Odisha’s heritage while capturing the essence of human relationships and emotions. Some of her novels resonate deeply with readers, leaving a lasting impact. As an educator, Satpathy has inspired countless aspiring writers and poets, who look up to her as their Guru.
She was conferred with the Padma Shri award in January 2025.
4. Dr. Ashok Mahapatra:
Odisha has produced gems not only in the fields of art and literature but also in medical science. Dr. Ashok Kumar Mahapatra, a distinguished personality in neuroscience, has played a pivotal role in revolutionizing neurosurgical treatments, bringing unmatched laurels to the state.
He was honored with Padma Shri in January 2025.
With his sheer dedication and perseverance, Dr. Mohapatra serves as a shining inspiration for all aspiring doctors, who wish to serve for the greater good of society and make the world a healthier place to live.
Odia Samaj extends its best wishes to all the winners and wishes them all the very best for their future endeavors. Their names will go down into history as Odisha’s most influential figures, whose legacy will be forever.
