Report by Priyabrata Nayak, Bhubaneshwar: International Chess Player Debashis Das has been declared winner of the prestigious 'Ekaiabya Puraskar' for the year 2012, carrying a cash award of Rs. 2 iakh. The Ekaiabya Jury Committee comprising of distinguished members from different walks of life were unanimous in selecting Debashish Das for the award. Weight-lifter Pramila Krisani and athlete Shrabani Nanda were adjudged as citations winners with a cash award of Rs. 50,000 each.

The 'Ekalabya Puraskar' instituted in the year 1993 by Indian Metals Public Charitable Trust ( lMPaCT), the charitable wing of IMFA Group- leading integrated Ferro Alloys producer in the country, is today recognised as the most prestigious sports award of Odisha. The award is given every year to young sports persons of Odisha in recognition of their outstanding performance in the preceding two years.

Debashis Das, has a brilliant National & lnternational track record. Among his many achievements are a Bronze Medal at the World Youth Championship held in Caldas Novas(Brazil) in Nov. 2010, and Gold as member of the Gold Winning Team at the World Youth (under 18) World Chess Championship 2010, Beijing . He is the 2"“ youngest International Master of Oolisha. Shrabani Nanda is a well known athlete, she participated in 9th Commonwealth Games in Oct'2010 held at New Delhi & got bronze medal in 4><l00rntrs relay and weight-lifter Prarnila Krisani participated in 13th Asian Youth Weightlifting Championship in Sept'2011 at Thailand & bagged Silver in 53Kg category. Both the citation winners will receive a cash award of Rs. 50,000 each.

lMPaCT, the Trust, managed by lMFA Group plays a leading role in undertaking various social welfare measures in the state. The Trust through “Sarala Award" also promotes and enriches Odia literature in the state.