New Delhi, April 22: President of India Droupadi Murmu on Monday conferred Padma Shri award to Maestro Binod Kumar Pasayat and Guru Gopinath Swain from Odisha in the field of Art during Civil Investiture Ceremony in New Delhi.
Pasayat was presented the award for his contribution to Koshali (Sambalpuri) literature. A hair-dresser by profession, Pasayat started his literary career in Sambalpur and rose to fame with the famous Sambalpuri play, ‘Mui Nai Mare’ (I will never die).
The Padma Shri has written many hit Sambalpuri numbers, including songs for Odia films ‘Samarpan’, ‘Adivasi’ and ‘Para Stri’. The 88-year-old has also written about 12 Sambalpuri dramas, including Ukhi, Mui Nai Mare, Lita, Chinha and Bharna. His Sambalpuri numbers ‘Ae Nani Sulochana’, ‘Rathar Chaka Chale Ghidighidi’, ‘Bajuche Madala Ae Baula’, ‘Hai Krushna Haie Krushana Boli’ are all-time hits.
Similarly, Gopinath Swain was awarded for his life-long contribution to preserve and promote the tradition of Krishna Leela singing. His commitment to traditional techniques and improvised methods has created a bridge between the past and the present.
Hailing from a family of Krishna Leel performers, Swain has sung and taught 5 ancient ragas, including Dakhinasri, Chinta Desakhya, Todi Bhatiari, Kumbha Kamodi and Bhatari. The 105-year-old has also established Akhadas (traditional village schools) and imparted training to hundreds of disciples.
The President presented 3 Padma Vibhushan, 4 Padma Bhushan and 47 Padma Shri Awards for 2023 at the Ceremony held in Rashtrapati Bhavan in the presence of Vice-President, Prime Minister, Union Minister for Home Affairs and other dignitaries.
The President also conferred Padma Vibhusan on former vice-president Venkaiah Naidu and posthumously on founder of Sulabh International Bindeswar Pathak.
Actor Mithu Chakraborty, former Governor Ram Naik and singer Usha Uthup were also presented Padma Bhusan at the ceremony.
