Suresh Kumar Panda, Semiliguda, Koraput, has been declared as the recipient of the Shambhavi Puraskar 2015. Instituted by the Bansidhar & Ite Panda Foundation (BIPF), the award carries a citation and cash prize of Rs 2.5 lakh and recognises excellent and innovative contributions by upcoming social workers.
The winner was unanimously decided by a jury committee consisting of representatives from NGOs, civil society, Government and media. Over the last six years, Suresh Panda has been working for economic empowerment of tribal communities in Semiliguda through various livelihood promotional activities.
The award will be presented at a function on March 14 in Bhubaneswar. Renowned social activist Padmashri Reemaben Nanavati and former Chief Secretary Ajit Tripathy will grace the occasion as chief guest and guest of honour, respectively.