Cuttack: President of India Droupadi Murmu attended the birth anniversary celebrations of Adikabi Sarala Das in Cuttack, Odisha, on July 15, 2025. On this occasion, she presented the Kalinga Ratna Award-2024 to Union Education Minister Dharmendra Pradhan.
Tribute to a Literary Pioneer
Paying homage to Sarala Das, the President praised his contribution to Indian literature through his Odia rendition of the Mahabharata. She lauded the efforts of Sarala Sahitya Sansad for preserving his legacy by organizing literary events.
Recognition of Contemporary Contributions
President Murmu congratulated Shri Dharmendra Pradhan on receiving the Kalinga Ratna and also acknowledged Shri Bijaya Nayak, recipient of the Sarala Samman for literary excellence.
Emphasis on Language and Unity
Highlighting India’s linguistic diversity, the President emphasized the role of Indian languages in the country’s educational and cultural heritage. She welcomed the National Education Policy 2020’s focus on mother-tongue instruction, asserting that it strengthens cultural roots while encouraging the learning of other languages as well.
