Bhubaneswar: Former Odisha Chief Minister and Leader of the Opposition in the State Assembly, Naveen Patnaik, has called for the personal intervention of Union Science & Technology Minister, Dr. Jitendra Singh, to ensure the continuation of the prestigious UNESCO Kalinga Prize, a symbol of Odia identity and pride.
In a letter addressed to the Union Minister on Monday, Patnaik expressed concern over recent communications from the Central government indicating a potential discontinuation of support for the UNESCO Kalinga Prize. The award, established in 1951 by the legendary Biju Patnaik, recognizes individuals worldwide for their contributions to the popularization of science. Over the decades, the prize has been awarded to 72 eminent scientists, including seven Nobel laureates such as Louis de Broglie, Julian Huxley, and Bertrand Russell.
Patnaik highlighted the significant historical and cultural importance of the prize, noting that it is the only international award from India in the field of science popularization. He emphasized the legacy of Biju Patnaik, who, at the age of 36, traveled to Paris to negotiate with UNESCO and establish the prize with a generous grant of 1,000 pounds from the Kalinga Foundation Trust, of which he was the Founder President.
The former Chief Minister expressed his dismay at the recent decision by the Ministry of Science & Technology to withdraw support for the award, which has been a source of pride and inspiration for the people of Odisha. He pointed out that the Kalinga Prize had set a legacy for independent India on the global stage and had been a symbol of Odia pride for generations.
Patnaik reminded the Union Minister of the 2002 agreement, during the tenure of then-Prime Minister Atal Bihari Vajpayee, which established a partnership between the Department of Science and Technology, the Government of Odisha, and the Kalinga Foundation Trust. This partnership has allowed for the shared funding and continued existence of the prize.
In his appeal, Patnaik urged Dr. Jitendra Singh to reconsider the Ministry’s decision and to ensure the continued support of the UNESCO Kalinga Prize, thereby honoring the rich legacy and cultural significance it holds for the people of Odisha and India as a whole.
“The Kalinga Prize is not just an international award but a great legacy that the people of Odisha are proud of and identify with,” Patnaik stated, underscoring the importance of preserving this symbol of Odia identity and pride.