and making the novels accessible to a larger set of readers. At the event organised in Kolkata, the original authors Anita Agnihotri and Manoranjan Byapari, and one of the translators, Lipika Saha participated in a panel discussion with Joydeep Dutta Roy, Executive Director, Bank of Baroda. The writers conversed on the Indian literature landscape and the significance of the Rashtrabhasha Samman Award for the literary fraternity across India. Anita’s novel ‘Mahanadi’ portrays the profound bond between a river and the people living along its banks. The author through the novel delves into the cultural, historical, and ecological significance of the Mahanadi River in India, highlighting the interdependence of human life and the natural world. ‘Mahanadi’ has also been translated into English and Odia, besides in Hindi. Manoranjan Byapari’s book ‘Ghar Palano Chhele’ explores the life and experiences of a marginalized young boy in contemporary society and delves into themes of social inequality, discrimination, and the struggle for identity and acceptance. The 'Bank of Baroda Rashtrabhasha Samman Award will be presented to both the author of the original work and the translator of the book into Hindi. The author of the original work and the respective Hindi translator of the award-winning book will receive Rs. 21.00 lakh and Rs. 15.00 lakh respectively. Moreover, the authors and the Hindi translators of the next five shortlisted books will receive Rs. 3.00 lakh and Rs. 2.00 lakh each respectively. The Bank had initiated the process of inviting nominations during the period March-April 2023 and received several entries written in different Indian languages, from which the jury prepared a list of 12 books to be on the long list. At the event organised in Kolkata today, the original authors Anita Agnihotri and Manoranjan Byapari, and one of the translators, Lipika Saha participated in a panel discussion with Joydeep Dutta Roy, Executive Director, Bank of Baroda. The writers conversed on the Indian literature landscape and the significance of the Rashtrabhasha Samman Award for the literary fraternity across India.