The Orissa branch of Indian Red Cross Society celebrated Utkal Divas, birthday of modern Orissa, by honoring selected achievers amongst the differently able persons.
On behalf of the Society, Chief Minister of Orissa presented the citations and cash prize in presence of a galaxy of politicians and social workers.
Awards were given in two batches; one for 2009 and the other for 2010.
When Pradeep Agrawal of Nuapada, Sushanta Kumar Sahoo of Bhubaneswar and Subas Kumar Behera of Khordha in deaf / dumb, visually impaired and orthopedically impaired segments respectively were honored for 2009, the honor for 2010 in the same segments was bestowed upon Jatin Behera of Khordha, Saistha Parveen, Bhubaneswar and Timira Kumar Sahooof Rourkela respectively. No mentally challenged person was chosen for award for 2009; but Ms.Lakshmipriya Patra of Bhubaneswar was the choice for this year.
The ceremony was ably conducted by the society secretary, Dr. Mangala Prasad Mohanty.