Bhubaneswar, Odisha : The Odisha Urdu Academy hosted the Urdu Academy Awards 2023 at Sanskruti Bhavan on Tuesday. The event recognised three eminent writers for their contribution to Urdu literature and culture. It also highlighted the rich heritage of the Urdu language.
From Bhadrak, Janab Sekh Anwar Husain won the Amjad Najmi Award 2023. He received ₹3 lakh, a citation and a trophy. Janab Abdul Haq Betab from Cuttack bagged the Dr. Karamat Ali Karamat Award 2023. His award carried ₹2 lakh, a citation and a trophy. In addition, Janab Samiul Haq Shakir, also from Cuttack, received the Rashmikant Rahi Award 2023. His honour included ₹1 lakh, a citation and a trophy.
Odisha Assembly Speaker Smt. Surama Padhi attended as Chief Guest. She congratulated the winners and described Urdu as a “language of sweetness.” She said the awardees would inspire young poets and writers. To make the evening special, she also recited a poem.
Ekamra MLA Babu Singh joined as Guest of Honour. He spoke about the value of Urdu literature and its role in cultural exchange. He also underlined the importance of translation in connecting diverse traditions.
The ceremony included a Sham-e-Ghazal cultural programme. Writers, poets, academicians and literature lovers joined with enthusiasm.
Dignitaries present included Dr. Bijay Ketan Upadhyay, Janab Khalid Rahim, Janab Nafis Manzar Hasan, and Dr. Chandrasekhar Hota. Furthermore, Academy Secretary Smt. Suchismita Mantri conducted the programme smoothly.
Overall, the Odisha Urdu Academy Awards continue to honour literary talent. They also encourage the growth of Urdu language and culture in the state.
