Odisha Environmental Society Names Award Winners for 2026

The Orissa Environmental Society (OES) has announced the recipients of its 2026 annual awards, recognising individuals for their outstanding work in environmental conservation, ecological awareness, scientific communication and environmental journalism.

The awardees were selected by the society’s executive committee during a meeting chaired by OES President Dr Sundara Narayana Patro. The announcement was made in a joint statement by Working President Dr Jayakrushna Panigrahi and Secretary Er. Manoranjan Mishra.

The awards will be presented on October 25 during the organisation’s 45th Foundation Day celebration.

Dr Seba Mohapatra, former Director of Health Services in Odisha, will receive the Lifetime Contribution Award for her longstanding service to society and environmental welfare. Tanaya Patnaik, editor of Sambad and Kanak News, has been chosen for the Excellence in Environmental Reporting Award for her efforts to bring ecological concerns into public focus.

Prof. Hemant Kumar Patra, former Emeritus Professor of Botany at Utkal University, will be honoured with the Excellence in Environment Award for his contributions to environmental studies and related initiatives. Dr Ashutosh Debata, former Director of the Centre for Environmental Studies in Bhubaneswar and Principal of Stewart Science College in Cuttack, will receive the Environment and Science Communication Award.

The Nature Conservation Award will go to Bijay Kumar Jena in recognition of his grassroots efforts to promote tree plantation and expand green cover.

Apart from these awards, the society will confer the titles of ‘OES Fellow’ and ‘OES Patron’ on selected individuals. Five senior life members will also be felicitated for their long association and contributions to the organisation.

The Foundation Day programme will feature former Lok Sabha MP and Dharitri and Orissa Post editor Tathagata Satpathy as the chief guest. Tanaya Patnaik will attend as the guest of honour, while noted writer Dash Benhur will deliver the Prasanna Kumar Dash Memorial Lecture.

Through its annual honours, the OES seeks to recognise dedicated efforts towards protecting nature and encourage greater public participation in safeguarding Odisha’s environmental heritage.