Baishnab Charan Samal has been selected for this year’s prestigious Central Sahitya Akademi Award for his book of essays, Bhuti Bhakti Bibhuti. The award, announced on Wednesday, recognizes outstanding literary works in 21 languages. Among the recipients are eight books of poetry, one play, one research book, three literary criticisms, three novels, and three essays.
Bhuti Bhakti Bibhuti, published in 2020, explores themes of spiritual pride and universal acceptance, particularly centered around Lord Jagannath and the concept of Jagannath consciousness. In the book, Samal discusses human ideology, the concept of Bhoomi, and Odia culture. “I have written essays about human ideology, ‘Bhoomi’, and Odia Sanskriti in the book,” said Samal, who is based in Cuttack.
Samal, who is in his mid-80s, will receive a cash prize of Rs 1 lakh, a plaque, and a shawl during the award ceremony in New Delhi on March 8. The selection of Bhuti Bhakti Bibhuti was made by a three-member jury of Odia language experts, including authors Devdas Chhotray, Santanu Kumar Acharya, and Paramita Satpathy.
A retired professor from Utkal University and Viswa Bharati, Samal has authored 160 books, covering a range of topics, with a focus on spirituality, philosophy, and Odia identity. He is also known for his work as a critic and his autobiography, Jane Banabatoi Ra Kahani.
In addition to his essays, Samal has published 10 books of poetry, and 12 more of his books are set to be published soon. Currently, he is working on a new book titled Odisha Ra Asmita, which will delve into the concept of Odia identity (asmita) in various contexts, including politics, religion, language, literature, Jagannath culture, and Paika identity in Odisha. “This book will explain what asmita truly means in these contexts,” Samal explained. The book is expected to be published within a month.
