Padma Shri Shyamamani Devi Conferred ‘Odia Nari Asmita Samman 2026’

Bhubaneswar:  On the occasion of International Women’s Day, the 13th edition of the ‘Odia Nari Asmita Samman Utsav 2026’ was held on Sunday evening at Jayadev Bhawan, celebrating the achievements and contributions of women in various fields.

The event was inaugurated by Surama Padhy, Speaker of the Odisha Legislative Assembly. Eminent writer Dr Archana Nayak attended as the chief guest, while the programme was presided over by Dr Shraddhanjali Ray, founder of the trust organising the event.
On the occasion, renowned Odissi vocalist and Padma Shri Shyamamani Devi was honoured with the ‘Odia Nari Asmita Samman 2026’ for her lifelong contribution to music.

Several other distinguished women were also honoured in different fields. Among them were Gayatri Mishra for Odissi dance, Kalpana Karan for journalism, international sprinter Dutee Chand for sports, Sangeeta Panda for music, Manasi Satpathy for social service, Anjana Das for film acting, Lipishree Nayak for visual arts and Pritipadma Panda for cosmetology.

During the ceremony, several personalities and organisations were also felicitated for their contributions in different sectors.

These included L V Prasad Eye Institute for healthcare services, social worker Sasmita Das, senior jatra actress Jayanti Nayak, homemaker Anjali Lenka, Rachita Nayak, jatra actress Bandana Bhadra, social worker Mamata Mohanty, cow welfare activist Sumitra Panda, and young poet Geetanjali Patra.

Others felicitated included Rashmita Bal, Kalyani Nanda, Shraddhanjali Mishra, Pragati Mishra, Pramila Singh and Shashikala Mishra.
The programme saw the presence of several members of Rupayan Parivar, including its president Tapas Sahu, state president Ashutosh Das, vice-president Sanjay Bhatt, along with members Bishwabhushan Rath, Lalit Baral, Madhusmita Biswal, Pramila Behera, Lalita Behera, Gautami Das, Manisha Lenka, Smruti Nayak, Dillip Sethi, Sipra Hira, Arju Bibi, Kalyani Sen, Prabita Nayak, Pradosh Nayak, Minati Patra, Prabhasini Nanda, Nrusingha Nanda, Ashish Swain, Bichitra Swain and Kailash Nayak.

The vote of thanks was delivered by Alok Sahu. The evening also featured several vibrant cultural performances, adding colour to the celebration honouring women’s achievements.