BHUBANESWAR: Noted sculptor Sudarshan Sahoo has been selected for Padma Vibhushan award 2021, for his exceptional and distinguished service in the field of art. Five other eminent persons from Odisha have been selected for Padma Shri awards. The Centre announced Padm Awards- the highest civilian awards of India on Monday.
Thanking the government for the recognition 83-year-old Sahu said, “I am dedicating this award to Lord Jagannath and the people of Odisha. At the last leg of my life I cannot expect anything more than this honour. I am humbled and grateful to the government for this recognition, which will certainly help in motivating many talented artists, who are quitting this traditional work.” Expressing concern over the preservation and protection of monuments in the state, Sahoo urged the state government to take steps for the protection and promotion of art and culture in the state.