Fakir Mohan University’s Debasish Patra Honored with 2025 Award

Professor Debasish Patra, head of the Department of Language and Literature at Fakir Mohan University (FMU), has received the prestigious Bharatiya Bhasha Samman 2025. The award was conferred during a recent conclave held in Varanasi by the Bharatiya Bhasha Sammilani. Patra was recognized for his significant contributions to the Odia language and literature, as well as his extensive research in tribal studies.

A Gathering of Scholars and Celebrating Language

The event, themed “Mother Tongue and Developed India,” was organized by Hindusthan Samachar at the Kashi Vidyapith Auditorium. It brought together scholars and writers from across India, fostering discussions on the importance of regional languages in national development. The inaugural ceremony featured Manoj Sinha, the Lieutenant Governor of Jammu and Kashmir, who emphasized the role of mother tongues in shaping cultural identity.

Atul Bhai Kothari, national secretary of Shiksha Sanskriti Utthan Nyas, delivered the keynote address, highlighting the need for preserving linguistic heritage. Distinguished guests included Ajit Kumar Chaturvedi, Vice Chancellor of Banaras Hindu University, and Anand Kumar Tyagi, Vice Chancellor of Kashi Vidyapith, both of whom acknowledged the critical role of language in academia and society.

Recognition for Odia Literature

In response to this recognition, Santosh Kumar Tripathy, Vice Chancellor of FMU, congratulated Patra, describing the honor as a proud moment for both the university and the Odia literary community. The award not only highlights Patra’s individual achievements but also underscores the growing recognition of regional languages within the broader Indian literary landscape.

The Bharatiya Bhasha Samman serves as a reminder of the importance of linguistic diversity and cultural heritage in India. As discussions on language and its impact continue, Patra’s contributions stand out as exemplary in promoting and preserving the Odia language for future generations.