Renowned Odisha sculptor Sudarshan Sahoo was on Monday conferred with the Padma Vibhushan, the second-highest civilian award of the country, for his distinguished work in the field of art.
He received the award from President Ram Nath Kovind during a programme at the Rashtrapati Bhawan, New Delhi.
Besides, Padma Shri was conferred on five personalities from Odisha, Shanti Devi, Purnamasi Jani, Rajat Kumar Kar, Krishna Mohan Pathi, and Nanda Prusty, at the function. Shanti Devi received the award for her distinguished service in the field of social work. Purnamasi Jani was presented the fourth highest civilian award for distinguished service in field of art. Veteran educationists Rajat Kar and Nanda Prusty were awarded for their works in literature and education. Krishna Pathi received the award for his contribution to the country in field of medicine. President Kovind had approved conferment of 119 Padma awards (seven Padma Vibhushan, 10 Padma Bhushan and 102 Padma Shri) for the year 2021.