Bhubaneswar: Renowned folklorist, educationist and Padma Shri awardee Dr. Mahendra Kumar Mishra was felicitated by the Odia Virtual Academy (OVA) in recognition of his outstanding contribution to the promotion of the mother tongue, folklore, folk literature and cultural heritage.
The special felicitation ceremony was held at the CYSD Auditorium in Bhubaneswar, where distinguished scholars and cultural personalities gathered to honour Dr. Mishra’s lifelong efforts in documenting, preserving and promoting Odisha’s rich folk traditions and indigenous knowledge systems.
Eminent scholar Dr. Prafulla Kumar Mishra, noted academic Prof. Harekrishna Mishra of Shantiniketan and former Information Commissioner and social activist Jagadananda felicitated Dr. Mishra during the programme.
Presiding over the event, OVA Secretary Dr. Pradeep Kumar Raut lauded Dr. Mishra’s invaluable contribution to Odia language and culture. Describing him as a source of inspiration for researchers and cultural practitioners, Dr. Raut announced Dr. Mishra as the “Brand Ambassador” of the Odia Virtual Academy and expressed confidence that his experience and guidance would help strengthen the Academy’s initiatives in the years ahead.
Responding to the honour, Dr. Mishra stressed the importance of collective efforts to enrich and strengthen the Odia language. He said Odias should remain committed to preserving their linguistic heritage while working towards transforming Odia into a vibrant repository of knowledge. He also expressed his willingness to actively contribute to the programmes and activities of the Odia Virtual Academy.
The programme also featured discussions on the role of language, folklore and traditional knowledge in shaping cultural identity and preserving the intellectual heritage of society.
Among others, noted scholar Dr. Bibhuti Bhusan Mahapatra, OVA Senior Manager Smruti Ranjan Mishra, technical consultants Debananda Bhanj, Dr. D.N. Mahanty and Sachidananda Panda, as well as Special Officer Srinibas Mishra, were present at the event.
