Sahid Rendo Majhi Yuva Samman 2026
With immense pride, Western Odisha Yuva Manch (WOYM) announces Rajat Kumar Panigrahi as the recipient of the Sahid Rendo Majhi Yuva Samman 2026, also known as the WOYM Yuva Samman.
Rajat Kumar Panigrahi is a Lecturer in Zoology, educator and art & culture preservationist who has dedicated significant time and effort to discovering and bringing lesser-known folk artists and cultural traditions into the public eye.
Preserving the Hidden Art of the Region
Across the remote villages and forest regions of Western Odisha, many talented artists and traditional art forms remain relatively unknown.
Rajat Kumar Panigrahi has taken a personal initiative to reach these communities, document their talents and help bring their artistic contributions to a wider audience.
His journey has taken him to approximately 1,500 remote forest and rural villages, where he has identified more than 20,000 hidden artists and talents.
A Journey of 1.5 Lakh Kilometres
His work has involved extensive travel across the region. In his search for folk art and artists, he has travelled approximately 1.5 lakh kilometres.
This journey reflects a sustained effort to connect with communities, discover traditional talents and preserve cultural expressions that might otherwise remain undocumented or overlooked.
From remote villages to local cultural spaces, his efforts have focused on recognising the people behind the region's rich artistic heritage.
Honouring Youth and Cultural Dedication
The Sahid Rendo Majhi Yuva Samman 2026 recognises Rajat Kumar Panigrahi's contribution as an educator and cultural preservationist.
The award is a part of WOYM's broader effort to recognise individuals whose work contributes to the cultural, social and community life of Western Odisha.
By honouring young talent and dedicated cultural workers, WOYM seeks to encourage continued efforts towards preserving the region's heritage and giving greater visibility to its artists.
Recognition at Nuakhai Bhetghat 2026
The award will be presented during the 11th Nuakhai Bhetghat 2026, organised by Western Odisha Yuva Manch at Utkal Mandap, Bhubaneswar, on 26 September 2026.
The occasion will bring together people to celebrate the culture, traditions and identity of Western Odisha while recognising individuals who have contributed to the region in meaningful ways.
Award Details
| Details Information | |
| Award | Sahid Rendo Majhi Yuva Samman 2026 |
| Also Known As | WOYM Yuva Samman |
| Recipient | Rajat Kumar Panigrahi |
| Profession | Lecturer in Zoology, Educator |
| Contribution | Folk Art & Culture Preservation |
| Villages Visited | Approximately 1,500 |
| Artists Identified | 20,000+ |
| Travel | Approximately 1.5 lakh kilometres |
| Event | Nuakhai Bhetghat 2026 |
| Date | 26 September 2026 |
| Venue | Utkal Mandap, Bhubaneswar |
A Proud Moment for Western Odisha
The Sahid Rendo Majhi Yuva Samman 2026 is a celebration of dedication towards the preservation of Western Odisha's folk art, culture and traditional talent.
WOYM extends its heartfelt congratulations to Rajat Kumar Panigrahi for this recognition and appreciates his continued efforts to bring hidden artists and cultural traditions into the public eye.
