Ashutosh Parida named 47th Sarala Puraskar recipient
Odia poet and former CSIR-IMMT scientist Dr. Ashutosh Parida was selected for the 47th Sarala Puraskar in August 2026 for his poetry collection Bishwas De Pruthwi, published by Prabha Publication in 2024. The Indian Metals Public Charitable Trust (IMPaCT) awards include a citation, copper plaque, and ₹7 lakh cash prize. A ceremony is scheduled in Bhubaneswar on 25 October 2026. The Sarala Puraskar recognises Odia literature and is one of India’s prestigious literary honours. Parida’s work engages with themes of belief, nature, and human experience in a contemplative voice, contributing to contemporary Odia literary culture.
Recipient: Ashutosh Parida
Work: Bishwas De Pruthwi (2024)
Award: 47th Sarala Puraskar, ₹7 lakh prize
Ceremony: 25 October 2026, Bhubaneswar
Organiser: IMPaCT (IMFA)
Aug 17, 2026
9th National Anubhav Awards 2026 Announced
Union Minister Dr. Jitendra Singh announced the 9th National Anubhav Awards 2026 at Vigyan Bhawan, New Delhi. A total of 15 retired government employees were selected for recognition under the National Anubhav Awards Scheme, which encourages retirees to document and share experiences from public service and nation-building. The awards are organized by the Department of Pension and Pensioners’ Welfare. Recipients represent various ministries and departments who will contribute insights on reforms, governance and citizen-centric initiatives. The event promotes institutional memory and motivates current civil servants through firsthand accounts of public service across decades.
Award announcement: 9th National Anubhav Awards 2026
Location: Vigyan Bhawan, New Delhi
Recipients: 15 retired government employees
Organizer: Department of Pension and Pensioners’ Welfare
Purpose: encourage documentation of public service experiences
Aug 16, 2026
Rani Mukerji Honoured at IFFM 2026 for Excellence in Acting
Rani Mukerji was honoured at the Indian Film Festival of Melbourne (IFFM) 2026 with a special citation for Excellence in Acting. The tribute marks three decades in Indian cinema for the veteran star and recognises her influence across Hindi film. Over a career spanning the 1990s to the present, Mukerji has drawn praise for performances in Black (2005), Hum Tum (2004), Hichki (2018), Mardaani (2014) and Mrs. Chatterjee vs Norway (2023). Festival organisers emphasised her versatility and commitment to challenging roles. The award adds to a long list of achievements in Indian cinema and highlights cross‑cultural appreciation for Indian talent abroad. Mukerji expressed gratitude in a brief on-stage address.
Rani Mukerji received a special citation for Excellence in Acting at IFFM 2026.
The recognition celebrates three decades of her work in Indian cinema.
Highlighted performances include Black, Hum Tum, Hichki, Mardaani and Mrs. Chatterjee vs Norway.
Organisers noted her versatility and impact on Hindi cinema.
The award reflects cross‑cultural appreciation for Indian talent abroad.
Aug 14, 2026
Gaj Gaurav Award 2026 Honours Jaldapara Mahouts
Seven mahouts from the Jaldapara Wildlife Division in West Bengal were honoured with the Gaj Gaurav Award 2026 for their work in elephant care and wildlife rescue operations. The award recognises dedication to wildlife conservation and animal protection, highlighting the frontline role played by mahouts in caring for elephants and coordinating rescue efforts. Jaldapara Wildlife Division, renowned for its biodiversity including elephants and endangered species like the one-horned rhinoceros, was celebrated for humanely handling complex wildlife situations. The ceremony showcased the important link between traditional hands-on care and modern wildlife management practices.
Recipients: Seven mahouts from Jaldapara Wildlife Division, West Bengal.
Award: Gaj Gaurav Award 2026 for elephant care and rescue work.
Significance: Recognition of frontline wildlife conservation efforts.
Location context: Jaldapara’s biodiversity, including elephants and rhinoceros.
Impact: Highlights traditional expertise in modern wildlife management.
Aug 13, 2026
Sangeet Natak Akademi Awards 2024–25 conferred
President Droupadi Murmu conferred the Sangeet Natak Akademi Fellowships (Akademi Ratna) and Akademi Puraskar for 2024 and 2025 in August 2026. A total of 115 artists were honoured for their outstanding contributions to performing arts, including music, dance, theatre and traditional arts. The ceremony took place at Vigyan Bhawan, New Delhi. The Akademi Ratna recognises lifetime achievement, while Akademi Puraskar honours significant artistic work. The awards highlight the diversity and richness of India's cultural heritage and celebrate artists who have shaped contemporary Indian performing arts through sustained excellence and innovation. The government announced plans to promote regional arts and provide more opportunities for emerging talent.
Sangeet Natak Akademi awards conferred for 2024 and 2025.
115 artists honoured across music, dance, theatre and traditional arts.
Ceremony held at Vigyan Bhawan, New Delhi.
Akademi Ratna for lifetime achievement; Akademi Puraskar for notable work.
Plans to promote regional arts and support emerging talent.
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