State govt does rescue act as PIO writer finally attends Pravasi event | Bhubaneswar News
Kendrapada: PIO writer-painter Prafulla Mohanti was escorted to the Pravasi Bharatiya Divas convention on Thursday, a day after the 90-year-old claimed he was denied permission to attend the gala event.
Odisha govt sent officials to the Sahitya Akademi fellow’s house in Jajpur district, who escorted him to the venue, bringing cheer to Mohanti, who said he had lost hope, but a TOI report in these columns drew the attention of authorities, who did a course correction.
Mohanti said he was happy to have attended the meet albeit on the second day of the three-day event. “I had lost hope. But thanks to the TOI story, the govt intervened,” he said.
A recipient of the Sahitya Akademi honorary fellowship in 2022, Mohanti is known for his contributions to literature and art. His works have garnered international acclaim. He has held over 60 exhibitions worldwide since moving to England in 1960.
Mohanti travelled from London despite his ill health but could not get an entry pass for the three-day convention. But Thursday saw both state and central government officials come to his aid.
“PAN card is not required for registration in Pravasi Bharatiya Diwas. Mohanti perhaps did not register perfectly for the event,” clarified MEA OSD (PR), Basudev Ravi.
Odisha govt sent officials to the Sahitya Akademi fellow’s house in Jajpur district, who escorted him to the venue, bringing cheer to Mohanti, who said he had lost hope, but a TOI report in these columns drew the attention of authorities, who did a course correction.
Mohanti said he was happy to have attended the meet albeit on the second day of the three-day event. “I had lost hope. But thanks to the TOI story, the govt intervened,” he said.
A recipient of the Sahitya Akademi honorary fellowship in 2022, Mohanti is known for his contributions to literature and art. His works have garnered international acclaim. He has held over 60 exhibitions worldwide since moving to England in 1960.
Mohanti travelled from London despite his ill health but could not get an entry pass for the three-day convention. But Thursday saw both state and central government officials come to his aid.
“PAN card is not required for registration in Pravasi Bharatiya Diwas. Mohanti perhaps did not register perfectly for the event,” clarified MEA OSD (PR), Basudev Ravi.
