International Literary Award To Be Named After Manoj Das

International Literary Award To Be Named After Manoj Das

The legacy of Manoj Das in the world of literature is unparalleled. His writings in Odia and English have inspired generations of Odias and writers. On Tuesday, the government of Odisha announced an international literary award in the memory of the legendary writer from Odisha. Das passed away on 27th April this year at the age of 87. 

The announcement was made by Chief Minister Naveen Patnaik in honour of the late literateur. The international literary award which will be presented annually will be bestowed on writers for excellent contribution in the field of English literature. A cash prize of Rs 10 lakh will be felicitated to the winner of the award every year.

Patnaik also announced ‘Manoj Kishore Sahitya Samman’ which aims to create interest among young people towards literature. This will be awarded to children in high school level for original creative writing in Odia and English. The prize money for the award is Rs 1 lakh. 

Patnaik informed that the Government of Odisha will take over the ancestral house of Manoj Das at Sankhari in Balasore and will convert it into a memorial called ‘Manmath-Manoj Memorial’. A proposal was made in this regard by the family members of Das. Manmath Das was an eminent historian and his legacy is remembered by Odias with pride. 

A library will also be set up which will house all the writings of the two brothers at the memorial. 

A temple present in the premises of the house will also be preserved. Special editions of Odisha Review, Utkala Prasanga and Konark brought out by the Odisha Sahitya Akademi will be published.  The Chief Minister had discussed the steps to be taken up for setting up the memorial with family members of Das over telephone and expressed deep grief over his demise.