Bhubaneswar: A three-day-long sound and colours show titled ‘Yuvayan’ was inaugurated by veteran actress Tripura Mishra and writer Debadas Chotaray at Bhanjakala Mandap in Bhubaneswar Friday. Eight eminent writers were also felicitated with Time Pass Booker Prize on the occasion.
Badal Mohanty received Time Pass Booker Prize for 2016, while Shakti Mohanty was presented with the same for the year 2017.
Other writers who received Time Pass Booker Prize on the occasion included Pragyanshree Rath (novel), Bharat Majhi (poetry), and Parambrahma Tripathy (essays). The Time Pass Swayamshree Sanmaan was given to Gyani Debashis Mishra and Suryasnat Tripathy. Ajay Khuntia received Bahibandhu award for his penchant for books.
Sujit Panda’s story ‘E Gapara Na Nahi’ was staged by Mithoon Malay, Pooja, Sagarika, Prgyan Paramita and others of the Mirror Theatre Group. The play was directed by Rojalin Pradhan, while the music was composed by Sanjay. Pragyandutt Sahoo designed the set.
A documentary introducing the winners was screened on the occasion. Interacting with Orissa POST, writer Badal Mohanty said, “I am overwhelmed as my novel ‘Nattu’ was chosen for the award. I am working hard to keep my readers happy. This award means a lot to me.”
Expressing his happiness, Shakti Mohanty said, “My story book ‘Casino’ has received the prize and I am very hopeful that now more and more readers will go through this book. Honestly, such awards make me more responsible as a writer.”