Chhattia: Umesh Patra, a senior Odia teacher at DV Dera in Talchera, has been honored with the prestigious ‘Gyanajyoti’ award for his significant contribution to literature and education. Patra was previously recognized with a Certificate of Appreciation by the Ministry of Human Resource Development in 2014-15 for excellence in teaching. In 2022, he received the State-level ‘Priti Pranati’ Award for his literary achievements and was also honored earlier by Sambalpur University and the Odisha Academy of Literature for his theatrical talents.
Patra attributes his success to his hard work and the immense blessings of Goddess Durga. He is a distinguished figure in the educational and literary circles of the Badchana block in the Chhattia region. In recognition of his dedication, Umesh Patra was conferred with the ‘Jnanjyoti’ award during the Fourth Annual Literary Festival held at the Bhubaneswar Buddha Mandir, organized by the Anandapur Literary and Cultural Organization of Kendujhar district. The event was graced by noted literary figures, with the keynote speaker being the renowned author, Prasanna Pattachani.