Ketaki Foundation Confers 5th Dinanath Pathy Kala Samman
Bhubaneswar: May 11: The prestigious Dinanath Pathy Kala Samman was conferred on renowned artist Shilpiguru Benudhar Mahapatra for his outstanding contributions to the traditional form of visual arts. Mahapatra, visibly moved by the honour, expressed his gratitude to the Ketaki Foundation Trust and reflected on Dinanath Pathy’s profound influence on his artistic journey.
“This recognition inspires me to continue expanding the boundaries of our traditional art forms while remaining rooted in our rich cultural heritage,’ Mahapatra stated during his acceptance speech.
The evening featured the 3rd Dinanath Pathy Memorial Lecture by distinguished scholar Prof. Basant Kumar Panda. His enlightening discourse explored Dinanath Pathy’s multifaceted legacy as an artist, writer, and cultural historian, drawing parallels between Pathy’s visionary approach and contemporary artistic expressions in Odisha with the statement, “his visual world is vast and varied”. He further shared that, Dinanath Pathy combines his real-life experiences and imagined truths in his paintings. This makes him a successful artist. His style helps viewers discover deeper meanings.
Chief Guest Dr. Aurobindo Behera praised the Ketaki Foundation Trust’s commitment to preserving and promoting Odisha’s artistic heritage. “Dinanath Pathy’s vision transcended conventional boundaries, and events like this ensure that his intellectual and artistic contributions continue to resonate and evolve, “Dr. Behera remarked.
The ceremony included a brief exhibition featuring select works by both Dinanath Pathy and this year’s awardee, Shri Mahapatra, showcasing the continuity and evolution of artistic traditions in Odisha.
The event drew a significant presence of audience consisting of artists, academics, cultural enthusiasts, and dignitaries, for celebrating the enduring legacy of Dr. Dinanath Pathy.
“The enthusiastic response to this year’s event reaffirms our commitment to Dinanath Pathy’s vision of elevating Odisha’s cultural discourse on the global platform,” said Jyoti Ranjan Swain, Managing Trustee of the Ketaki Foundation Trust. “We are particularly pleased by the engagement of young artists and students, which promises the continued vitality of our artistic traditions.”
