Pragnya Patnaik is an author, activist, columnist, editor and speaker from Sambalpur, Odisha. She was working as a Software Consultant at the software giant Infosys Limited, when she decided to quit her job to start writing full-time.
As an Author-
Pragnya writes primarily in English and Sambalpuri. Her first book "My Pen Speaks was published when she was a student and features poems from her school and college days. She has authored the books "Love Is Not Lost"- a collection of short stories and "Ranga –Sambalpuri Kathani". She has also translated Robin Sharma’s bestsellers "Daily Inspiration from the Monk Who Sold His Ferrari" and "The Leader Who Had No Title" into Odia. She is currently working on her next untitled project.
As an Editor and Columnist-
Pragnya currently co-edits Vaisakhi, a fortnightly newspaper in Odia, primarily aimed at highlighting the culture, tradition and literature of Odisha. She also writes articles and columns for several newspapers and websites like, The Times of India, Women's Web, The Flint etc.
Speaker-
She is regularly invited as a guest speaker by social and literary organizations, colleges and other educational institutions.
As a Social Activist-
1.She is a strong advocate of women’s empowerment and gender equality. She has organized several events to highlight women related issues and to create awareness in the society. I write extensively on the issues of women.
2. She attended Breast Cancer Awareness program in USA and now under the banner of Vaisakhi spreads awareness among women about the disease by organizing similar programmes in Sambalpur.
3. She continues to organize literary programs like Poetry recitals, literary discussions etc. through Vaisakhi to promote literature and to encourage fresh literary talents
4. She has led hundreds of women against gender discrimination by organizing the Walk At Night programme.
During the Covid period-
1. Through Vaisakhi arranged for thousands of Covid kits for the farmers of Western Odisha.
2. Distributed cooked food to the homeless, migrant workers and needy.
3. Distributed food to the street animals.
4. Started several initiatives for the people of Sambalpur like, free teleconsultation by specialist and super-specialist doctors, free teleconsultation for pets and street animals by a vet, free food for home-isolated patients, free psychosocial counselling, and free yoga and meditation sessions.
5. Helped people in need to get beds, medical advice, medical aid, information etc, as and when approached.
Awards and Achievements-
• Recipient of Dr. Nilamadhab Panigrahi award 2017, for the Sambalpuri book ‘Ranga’, from Sambalpur University. This is the most prominent recognition for a book in the Sambalpuri language.
• Felicitated by ABCD and Hope Scope Academy on the eve of Women’s Day 2021.
•. Felicitated by JCI Women wing, Sambalpur on the eve of Women’s Day 2021.
• Invited for poetry recital to the Kendra Sahitya Akademi Sambalpuri Webline Series programme.
• Felicitated by Nabadiganta Sahitya Sansad, Deogarh for contribution to literature.
• Felicitated by ABCD Charitable Trust, Sambalpur for social service.
• Felicitated by Anugul Zilla Sahitya Sansad for the book My Pen Speaks.
• Felicitated by Narayan Seva Foundation, Bhubaneswar for contribution to literature, on the eve of International Women's Day 2018.
• Felicitated by Paridarshak Media for contribution to literature.
• Felicitated by Padmashree Lokakabi Haladhar Nag for the Sambalpuri book Ranga.
• Felicitated by Indradhanu Khyudra Byabasai Sangha, Bhubaneswar for literature and social work.
• Felicitated by the fortnightly Arabhani Samaya, Bhubaneswar for social work and literature.
• Received letters of appreciation for the book My Pen Speaks from various quarters including from the then Prime Minister of India, Shri Atal Bihari Vajpayee.
• Review of the book Love Is Not Lost was published in the Asian Age (Delhi, Mumbai, Kolkata and London editions).
• Featured as a writer in prominent English dailies including the Telegraph, the Hindustan Times and the Times of India.
• Interviewed by Big 92.7 FM and Kalinga TV for literary contributions.
• Represented school and won prizes in various quiz competitions including the "My India Quiz Contest" held in New Delhi which was telecasted on DD-2 (Doordarshan -2 channel)
• Won several school and college level essay writing, letter writing, poetry writing, general knowledge, debate, recitation, fancy dress etc. competitions. Also, received the first prize in the G.M College poetry writing competition.
• Was students’ representative in school and college.
• Two of her plays in Hindi have been staged.
Here are a few links for reference -
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=zgyGQWFkhxw
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=xyLw_NDDICg
https://www.hindustantimes.com/books/love-is-not-just-a-fairy-tale-thing-says-author-pragnya-patnaik/story-a9u30g7Mq74hOooELkS9UM.html?utm_source=ht_site_copyURL&utm_medium=social&utm_campaign=ht_site
https://www.asianage.com/books/well-crafted-daring-attempt-175
https://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/city/bhubaneswar/odia-authors-book-released/articleshow/54577024.cms
https://barpalidays.blogspot.com/2018/07/pragnya-patnaik-from-window-of.html
