Renowned Odia Translator Suvash Satapathy Wins Sahitya Akademi Prize for Translation 2024

Bhubaneswar: Suvash Satapathy, a distinguished Odia translator and journalist, has been awarded the prestigious Sahitya Akademi Prize for Translation for the year 2024. The award recognizes his outstanding contribution to the literary world through his Odia translation of Ruskin Bond’s autobiography, Lone Fox Dancing, which he has titled Kokishialira Ekaka Nrutya.

The announcement was made by the Sahitya Akademi on Friday, honoring Satapathy for his remarkable work in bringing Ruskin Bond’s poignant memoir to Odia-speaking audiences. The award includes a cash prize of ₹50,000 and a copper plaque, which will be presented to Satapathy along with 20 other awardees later this year.

The selection panel for the Odia translation category this year included eminent figures such as poet Amaresh Pattnaik, and distinguished literary personalities Pravasini Mahakud and Monalisa Jena. Their decision highlights Satapathy’s exceptional skill in capturing the essence of Bond’s autobiographical work and presenting it in a way that resonates with Odia readers.

In his career, Satapathy has earned widespread acclaim for his translations, which have bridged linguistic and cultural divides. Apart from Kokishialira Ekaka Nrutya, his notable translations include Samsmar, Purnima Ratrira Abhisara, Anyanya Galpa, Samudra Kulara Gaon, as well as short story collections by renowned authors such as Khushwant Singh, M.T. Vasudevan Nair, and Ashoka Mitran. His translation of B.R. Ambedkar’s Complete Works into Odia has also been recognized for its scholarly depth and precision.

Satapathy’s literary contributions extend beyond translations, as he has authored biographies of significant political figures such as Harekrushna Mahtab, Nityananda Kanungo, and Lachit Barphukan, further cementing his place in the world of Odia literature.