Renowned Ganjapa artist Satyanarayana Maharana was honored with the prestigious 6th Dinanath Pathy Kala Samman in Bhubaneswar for his lifelong contribution towards preserving and promoting Odisha’s traditional Ganjapa art. The award ceremony was organized by the Ketaki Foundation Trust on Saturday evening at Bharatiya Vidya Bhavan and witnessed the participation of leading artists, writers, intellectuals, students, and cultural enthusiasts from across the state.

The event also featured the 4th Dinanath Pathy Memorial Lecture, which was delivered by Prof. Kishor Kumar Basa, former Chairman of the National Monuments Authority. Speaking on the topic Odishara Kala Sthapatya Eka Itihasa Tatwika Adhyayana, he presented a detailed historiographical study on the art and architectural heritage of Odisha. Prof. Basa highlighted the immense contribution of legendary artist and scholar Dinanath Pathy and quoted eminent poet and writer Sitakant Mahapatra, who had once remarked that it was difficult to determine whether Dinanath Pathy was more gifted with words or with colors and lines because of his excellence in both literature and visual art.

The ceremony was graced by eminent scientist, former Vice Chancellor of Sambalpur University, and celebrated Odissi danseuse Dr. Priyambada Mohanty Hejmadi as the Chief Guest. Addressing the gathering, she stressed the importance of preserving and promoting Odisha’s rich artistic and cultural traditions for future generations and encouraged young talents to actively engage with the state’s heritage art forms.

Eminent artist and trustee of the Ketaki Foundation Trust Ram Hari Jena conducted the program while managing trustee Jyotiranjan Swain highlighted the organization's ongoing initiatives for the promotion of Odisha’s art, literature, and culture. The program reflected Odisha’s continuing commitment towards safeguarding its traditional art forms and recognizing artists who have dedicated their lives to cultural preservation.