On the 69th Foundation Day of Bhubaneswar, the Capital Day Celebration Committee gave away the Rajdhani Gaurav Samman to a few persons from various walks of life. The Telegraph presents a profile of the awardees

• Surendranath Pasupalak, scientist: The vice-chancellor of Odisha University of Agriculture and Technology is known for his weather forecasts and its impact on agriculture. He said his focus would be to make the OUAT an internationally-acclaimed and locally-relevant university

• N.B. Chainy, lawyer: The high court advocate, who also practices in district courts, is known for his outstanding contributions in the field of law. The lawyer with more than 40 years of practice is mentor to a number of young law professionals

• Sruti Mohapatra, social activist: It has been over 17 years that the social activist has been fighting for the rights of the differently-abled persons. Bound to a wheelchair, her organisation Swabhiman is also working towards making Bhubaneswar an accessible city for the disabled

• Satyabrat Tripathy, actor: Popularly known as Kuna Tripathy, the actor is popular for his role in films such as Dharma Ra Heba Jay, Kehi Jane Bhala Lagere and Satyameba Jayate and also as a TV host. An active member of Odisha Cine Artistes’ Association, he is admired as a political satirist

• Seetal, actress: The young actress started her career with Jie Jaha Kahu Moro Dho opposite Babushan. She already has a number of hits under her belt including Premare Premare and Tora Dine Ku Mora Dine. A trained Odissi dancer, Seetal wants to work with popular Odia film-makers

• Rita Ekka, nurse: The 59-year-old nurse at Capital Hospital is known for her dedication. A nurse for the last 35 years, she wants to carry on taking care of people in need

• Sivapada Swain, administrator: The 1976-batch retired IRS officer had held several key positions both at the Centre and the state, including the office of director-general of Income Tax (exemption). A former member of the Orissa Electricity Regulatory Commission, he wants more bright youngsters to join the administration

• Shantikar Sa, postman: The India Post employee has been delivering messages at the doorstep of people for over 20 years. The postman wants revamp of postal department services to regain its lost glory

• Parikhita Pradhan, traffic constable: The young traffic cop is popular with commuters. She feels the award motivate her better work

• Jumali Digal, sweeper: The old but energetic lady rates the award as her life’s biggest achievement. Feeling good for a “thankless job” being recognised, she wants the people to work together to keep their environment clean

• Rashmiranjan Parida, sportsperson: The cricketer began his career in 1994 and has represented Odisha and later Rajasthan and Assam. In around 88 Ranji matches he played for Odisha, he scored some 6,000 odd runs

• Sarat Kumar Sahoo, industrialist: The man behind Ruchi, the leading manufacturer and exporter of spices, has contributed to the industrialisation of Odisha. A member of the state planning board, he aims to create more livelihood opportunities in the state

• Chittaranjan Pani, composer: The Hindustani vocalist feels music has “awakened his soul”. A man who had headed the music faculty at a number of colleges, also runs Gurukul Gitanjali to train youngsters in classical music

Text by Anwesha Ambaly