After four consecutive evenings of spectacular classical presentations, the 27th OMC Guru Kelucharan Mohapatra Award Festival culminated in the award presentation ceremony and finale by Srjan ensemble on Thursday. Governor Prof Ganeshi Lal presented the Guru Kelucharan Mohapatra Award 2021 to Binodini Devi for her immense contribution and lifetime achievement in field of theatre. An Odisha Sangeet Natak Akademi awardee, Binodini Devi is renowned for her acting in Abujha Raja ku Paalabinda Mantri, Parajhia Ghara Bhangena, Mu Eka Tumara, Agastya, Se Apana Mananka Bhitare, and Maati ra Manisha, to name a few films and dramas. The coveted award carries a respectable allocation of Rs 1 lakh and a citation.
This was followed by the presentation of the Guru Kelucharan Mohapatra Yuva Pratibha Samman, which focuses on reviving all-important role of solo artiste in the classical idiom. The award carries a cash prize of Rs 25,000 and a citation.
Dr Lal presented honour to Arushi Mudgal for Odishi dance acknowledging her continued dedication to art and in recognition of her inspiring performances, and to Ramachandra Behera, recognising his inspiring work and commitment to field of Odishi music (Mardala).