Sanskrit scholar from Ganjam wins Sahitya Akademi award

Berhampur: Somanath Dash, a 48-year-old Sanskrit scholar from Nalabanta near Aska in Ganjam district, has been awarded the 2024 Sahitya Akademi Award for translation. The award was in recognition of his Sanskrit translation of acclaimed Odia novel ‘Lalitalabangalata', originally written by Braja Mohan Mohanty.
Dash, an associate professor in the department of research and publication at the National Sanskrit University, Tirupati, received the confirmation letter from the Akademi on Monday. "I am very happy as the award is a recognition of my hard work," said Dash.
‘Lalitalabangalata' chronicles the life of renowned Sanskrit poet Jayadev, whose masterpiece ‘Gita Govinda' is considered to be dedicated to Lord Jagannath. The award carries a cash prize of Rs 50,000 and a copper plaque, and will be presented during a special function whose date is yet to be announced.
A prolific author, Dash has penned several Sanskrit works including ‘Srikhetre Jagannath', ‘Vamsivinodah' and ‘Corona-Dhanam'. His latest work, ‘Narendraroharam', comprises 1,200 verses across 12 chapters, documenting Prime Minister Narendra Modi's journey since childhood. The work, which includes English and Hindi translations, took four years to complete.