Binod Kumar Pasayat and Guru Gopinath Swain from Odisha receive Padma Shri

Bhubaneswar: President Droupadi Murmu bestowed the Padma Shri award upon Binod Kumar Pasayat and Guru Gopinath Swain from Odisha for their exemplary contributions in the field of Art during the Civil Investiture Ceremony held in New Delhi on Monday.

The ceremony, held at Rashtrapati Bhavan, witnessed the President presenting a total of 3 Padma Vibhushan, 4 Padma Bhushan, and 47 Padma Shri Awards for the year 2023, in the presence of dignitaries including the Vice-President, Prime Minister, Union Minister for Home Affairs, and other esteemed guests.

Binod Kumar Pasayat was honored for his outstanding contributions to Koshali (Sambalpuri) literature. Starting his literary journey in Sambalpur, Pasayat gained prominence with his renowned Sambalpuri play, ‘Mui Nai Mare’ (I will never die). He has penned numerous hit Sambalpuri songs and written about 12 Sambalpuri dramas, leaving an indelible mark on the cultural landscape of Odisha.

Meanwhile, Guru Gopinath Swain was recognized for his lifelong dedication to preserving and promoting the tradition of Krishna Leela singing. Swain has played a pivotal role in imparting training and knowledge about ancient ragas to generations of disciples. His efforts have not only kept the tradition alive but also bridged the gap between the past and the present.