President Droupadi Murmu marked a special moment in India’s cultural and literary history on July 15, 2025, by gracing the birth anniversary celebrations of the legendary poet Adikabi Sarala Das in Cuttack, Odisha.
Adikabi Sarala Das: A Literary Trailblazer
Adikabi Sarala Das is hailed as the first major poet of Odia literature. He lived during the 15th century and is best known for his epic retelling of the Mahabharata in Odia.
His works laid the foundation of vernacular literature in Odisha. By bringing sacred epics into the reach of common people through local language, Sarala Das democratized knowledge in an era of limited literacy.
President Murmu praised this revolutionary contribution, saying, “Sarala Das enriched Indian literature and culture by translating timeless knowledge into the language of the masses.”
Union Education Minister Dharmendra Pradhan received the Kalinga Ratna Award 2024, a distinguished honor for excellence in public service and education. The award recognizes those who have significantly contributed to the socio-cultural fabric of Odisha and the nation.
The President applauded his commitment to transforming India’s education landscape, especially through initiatives aligned with the National Education Policy 2020.
Celebrating Diversity and Unity
In her heartfelt speech, President Murmu reflected on India’s rich diversity. “Our unity is like a rainbow—many colors, but one spirit,” she said. She emphasized that despite India’s many languages, the emotional thread binding people remains one and the same.
This unity in diversity, she added, astonishes the world and reinforces India’s strength as a multicultural democracy.
Language, Culture, and Education
The President also highlighted how Indian languages are the bedrock of our educational tradition. She welcomed the NEP 2020’s focus on mother tongue education as a powerful step toward cultural continuity.
“Learning in one’s mother tongue helps children connect deeply with their roots,” she said. “Yet, knowledge of other languages is equally essential in today’s interconnected world.”
Her remarks resonate with the vision of the National Education Policy, which encourages multilingual education to foster inclusion and cultural pride.
Recognizing Local Literary Talent
Alongside the Kalinga Ratna Award, another literary honor, the ‘Sarala Samman’, was presented to Shri Bijaya Nayak for his outstanding contributions to literature.
The event, organized by Sarala Sahitya Sansad, brought together literary minds, students, educators, and cultural icons in a fitting tribute to Odisha’s literary heritage.
Legacy of Sarala Sahitya Sansad
Founded to preserve and promote Odia literature, Sarala Sahitya Sansad has long been a custodian of Odisha’s rich literary past. The annual celebrations of Sarala Das’s birth anniversary foster not only reverence for tradition but also dialogue on contemporary literary issues.
Why This Celebration Matters Today
In today’s globalized, digital world, honoring poets like Sarala Das is more than a ceremonial gesture. It reminds us of the power of language, identity, and cultural resilience.
By spotlighting local heroes and promoting regional literature, we build a more inclusive and representative national narrative. The awards also reaffirm India’s commitment to cultural pluralism and literary preservation.
Key Takeaways
- President Droupadi Murmu attended Sarala Das’s birth anniversary in Cuttack on July 15, 2025.
- She presented the Kalinga Ratna Award 2024 to Education Minister Dharmendra Pradhan.
- She praised the NEP 2020 for promoting mother tongue education.
- Sarala Sahitya Sansad organized the celebration to honor Odia literature.
- The President emphasized India’s unity in diversity through its languages.
Conclusion
The celebration of Adikabi Sarala Das is not just a tribute to the past. It’s a call to preserve India’s rich linguistic and literary heritage. In honoring those who champion education and culture, India takes one step closer to building a future that values both progress and tradition.
As the President said, “Language is not just a tool for communication. It’s a reflection of our soul and civilization.”
Featured Image
Caption: President Droupadi Murmu presents Kalinga Ratna Award 2024 to Dharmendra Pradhan at a grand ceremony in Cuttack.
Alt text: President Murmu honoring Dharmendra Pradhan with Kalinga Ratna Award.
Description: The President of India, Smt. Droupadi Murmu, honors Union Minister Dharmendra Pradhan with the Kalinga Ratna Award 2024 during the celebrations of Adikabi Sarala Das’s birth anniversary in Odisha.
Inline Image
Caption: Cultural performances and Odia poetry readings mark the tribute to Adikabi Sarala Das.
Alt text: Odia literature and cultural performances at Sarala Das event.
Description: Traditional Odia dance and literary recitations featured during the birth anniversary celebration of Sarala Das, highlighting the richness of regional culture.
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