Kalinga Ratna Award 2024 winner Dharmendra Pradhan honoured by President Murmu for promoting Odia culture and education reforms under NEP 2020. Key insights for UPSC, PCS, SSC, and teaching exams.
President Murmu Confers Kalinga Ratna Award‑2024 to Dharmendra Pradhan
Event & Occasion
On July 15, 2025, President Droupadi Murmu presented the prestigious Kalinga Ratna Award‑2024 to Union Education Minister Dharmendra Pradhan in Cuttack, Odisha. The award was conferred during the 600th birth-anniversary celebrations of the revered 15th-century Odia poet and scholar Adikabi Sarala Das, held at the Jawaharlal Nehru Indoor Stadium
Honouring Odia Literary Heritage
In her address, President Murmu emphasized Sarala Das’s monumental contribution to Indian literature—particularly for rendering the Mahabharata in Odia. She also highlighted India’s linguistic diversity, praising the country’s unity in celebrating multiple languages and literature
National Education Policy & Mother‑Tongue Education
Murmu underscored the importance of the National Education Policy (NEP)–2020, which advocates instruction in regional languages. She stated that teaching in the mother tongue strengthens cultural links and deepens learning
Pradhan’s Vision for Digital Empowerment
In his acceptance speech, Education Minister Pradhan expressed his honour and shared his vision to uplift the Odia language. He emphasized leveraging artificial intelligence and digital platforms to enhance Odia literature’s reach and ensure its preservation in a digital era
Significance of the Celebration
The ceremony not only paid tribute to Sarala Das but also underscored India’s commitment to protecting its regional literary traditions. It highlighted how central government recognitions can reinforce the push for linguistic inclusivity.
B) 🤔 Why This News Is Important
Reinforces Cultural Identity & Language Policy
With the NEP‑2020 weighing heavily on mother‑tongue education, President Murmu’s remarks echo a major policy push. Students from teaching, civil services, and defence backgrounds must understand how language policy influences educational frameworks.
Bridges Tradition with Technology
Dharmendra Pradhan’s vision to fuse AI with language preservation is critical for modern education, banking, railways, defence, and police sectors pursuing digitally literate candidates. The integration of heritage languages with technology reflects India’s future-ready aspirations.
Highlights Literary Symbolism
Sarala Das, a monumental figure in Odia literature for translating the Mahabharata, continues to be a powerful symbol of regional pride. Recognizing his contributions fosters deeper awareness among aspirants preparing for exams in subjects like Indian culture, history, and civics.
Relevance for Examination Content
This event neatly ties into upcoming government exam syllabi on language policy, education reforms, and literary traditions. Aspirants across PCS, IAS, banking, and teaching fields can reference this example to illustrate how policy and culture intersect in contemporary India.
C) 🏛 Historical Context
About Adikabi Sarala Das (15th Century)
Sarala Das, born around 1426 CE, was the first to translate the Mahabharata into Odia. This milestone made complex epics accessible to the common populace. His work also enriched Odia’s literary depth, affirming regional linguistic identity.
The Kalinga Ratna Award Legacy
The Kalinga Ratna Award honours individuals who significantly promote Odisha’s cultural and literary heritage. First instituted in the late 20th century, it has become a coveted recognition for leaders reinforcing Odia language and tradition.
NEP‑2020 & Mother‑Tongue Instruction
Introduced in 2020, NEP re-emphasizes education in students’ home languages—up to at least Grade 5 and ideally until Grade 8. This approach is rooted in decades of linguistic pedagogy research, reaffirming multilingualism as foundational to educational efficacy.
D) Key Takeaways from “Kalinga Ratna Award to Pradhan”
| S.No | Key Takeaway |
|---|---|
| 1 | Kalinga Ratna Award‑2024 was presented to Union Education Minister Dharmendra Pradhan by President Droupadi Murmu on July 15 2025. |
| 2 | The award ceremony aligned with the 600th birth anniversary of Adikabi Sarala Das, a legendary Odia poet. |
| 3 | President Murmu emphasized the NEP‑2020’s promotion of mother‑tongue education to preserve cultural heritage. |
| 4 | Minister Pradhan stressed using AI and digital platforms to elevate and preserve the Odia language. |
| 5 | The event showcased the synergy between cultural preservation, language policy, and digital education—key topics for government exam aspirants. |
FAQs: Frequently Asked Questions
Q1. Who received the Kalinga Ratna Award 2024?
A: Union Education Minister Dharmendra Pradhan received the award.
Q2. Who presented the Kalinga Ratna Award 2024?
A: President Droupadi Murmu presented the award.
Q3. What is the significance of the Kalinga Ratna Award?
A: It honours individuals for promoting Odia language, literature, and culture.
Q4. Who is Adikabi Sarala Das?
A: A 15th-century Odia poet known for translating the Mahabharata into Odia.
Q5. What does NEP 2020 promote?
A: Mother-tongue instruction in early education and holistic learning reforms.
Q6. How does Dharmendra Pradhan plan to preserve Odia literature?
A: By integrating AI and digital technology.
Q7. Why is this news relevant for competitive exam aspirants?
A: It connects current affairs with education policy, culture, and governance.
Q8. Where was the award ceremony held?
A: At Jawaharlal Nehru Indoor Stadium, Cuttack, Odisha.
Q9. What major theme did President Murmu emphasize?
A: India’s unity in linguistic diversity and cultural heritage.
Q10. Which anniversary of Sarala Das was celebrated?
A: His 600th birth anniversary.
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