The annual Shridhar Rout Meritorious Scholarship programme for economically weaker students with disabilities was organized on 2nd February by PUNARBASA, an organization working for therapy services, awareness, and empowerment of differently abled people in Kendrapara district

In a special function held at the local Amar Udyan, Additional District Collector Ravindra Kumar Malik expressed that through education and skill development, differently abled students can be integrated into the mainstream of society with dignity and equality.

Professor of Literature Abhay Behera attended as the chief speaker, while District Social Security Officer (DSSO) Sangram Keshari Beura and senior physician Dr. Gaurang Charan Samantray graced the occasion as guests. The speakers highlighted the growing social sensitivity and awareness towards persons with disabilities.

A total of six meritorious students from different disability categories, studying in various colleges and higher secondary schools of the district, were selected for scholarships of ₹10,000 each by PUNARBASA. The awardees included Rahul Patra, Laxmipriya Lenka (visually impaired), Vivek Patra, Ayush Kant Behera, Ronak Parida (locomotor disability), and Neha Bhoi (thalassemia).

Chief Guest Additional District Magistrate, Kendrapara Shri Rabindra Kumar Malik, OAS(S) addressing the PwDs scholars and their parents during this Annual Scholarship Programme.

On the occasion, the first Bama-Yadu Maani Excellence Sports Award was presented to international para-athlete Ranjit Chand. He was honoured with a trophy and a cash award of ₹10,000 by the rehabilitation department. Professor Dr. Parvathi Ranjan Lenka, along with members of PUNARBASA, presented the award to the distinguished para-athlete

Assistant Secretary Bansidhar Mohanty and Treasurer Shivcharan Samal served as members of the main selection committee and selected deserving students from both the Plus Three and Plus Two categories.

Members including Kedarnath Barik, Sanjiv Jena, Dharanidhar Sethi, Rajendra Mohapatra, Gautam Sahu, Deepak Sahu, Mihir Barik, Sangram Choudhury, Mohammed Zahid Khan, Sesa Dev Prasad Das, Sanjay Jena, Nursing Charan Tripathi, Amrin Shahadat, and District Para Sports Association Secretary Sagar Jena actively coordinated the programme.

Finally, member Swapnanshu Das delivered the vote of thanks. Many distinguished intellectuals and eminent personalities, including noted writer Annapurna Mohanty, Akshay Nayak, former civil servant Jagmohan Hota, and Chandramani Mallik, participated in the event.