KALINGA RATNA AWARD

CURRENT CONTEXT:  President Murmu gave the Kalinga Ratna Award to Union Minister Dharmendra Pradhan during the 600th birth anniversary of Odia poet Sarala Das in Cuttack.

• The award honours Pradhan for his efforts in promoting Indian languages and educational reform.
• Celebration also honoured Adikabi Sarala Das (15th century), the first Odia poet who authored the Odia version of the Mahabharata.
• The award is presented annually by Sarala Sahitya Sansad to recognize excellence in education, culture, literature, or public service.