Baishnab Charan Samal to Receive Central Sahitya Akademi Award for this Year

Baishnab Charan Samal to Receive Central Sahitya Akademi Award for this Year

Writer Baishnab Charan Samal will receive the Central Sahitya Akademi for this year. He will be honored with a cash reward of Rs 1 lakh, a plaque, and a shawl at an award ceremony in New Delhi on March 8, 2025.

The Akademi announced the award in 21 languages on Wednesday which includes eight books of poetry, one each in play and research genres, three literary criticisms, three novels and as many essays.

Mr. Samal received this award for his book of essays, “Bhuti Bhakti Bibhuti” published in 2020. The book offers Samal’s interpretation of spiritual pride, focusing on the universal acceptance of Lord Jagannath and the concept of Jagannath consciousness. "In the book, I have written essays on human ideology, 'Bhoomi,' and Odia Sanskriti," said the Cuttack-based educationist and writer.

The book was selected based on recommendations made by a jury of three members in Odia language. The three jury members were authors Devdas Chhotray, Santanu Kumar Acharya and Paramita Satpathy.

A retired professor of Utkal University and Viswa Bharati, Samal has already authored 160 books in different genres, primarily focussing on spirituality, philosophy and Odia identity. Apart from writing essays, he is also a critic and has written his autobiography ‘Jane Banabatoi Ra Kahani’.

Samal began writing poetry in his childhood and has since authored 10 poetry books. With 12 more books awaiting publication, he shared that he is currently working on a new book of essays titled Odisha Ra Asmita, which explores the concept of Odia ‘asmita’.

“There is a lot of discussion today about Odia Asmita, often by people who don’t fully understand its essence. This book will clarify what asmita means in relation to politics, religion, language, literature, Jagannath culture, and Paika identity in Odisha,” said the writer. The book is set to be published within the next month.