Bhubaneswar: Former Utkal University Vice-Chancellor and eminent scientist Dr Basanta Kumar Behura has been conferred with the prestigious Kalinga Samman-2012.
The honour was conferred by Chief Minister Naveen Patnaik to Behura at a function organised by the Kalinga Foundation Trust last evening.
Former Chief Minister Biju Patnaik had instituted the KFT in 1951 for honouring scientists who popularise science across the world.
Besides regular awards being given at international level, KFT in 2010 decided also to honour Odia scientists who played a role in popularise science in the state.
Behura was selected for the award for his lifetime contribution to popularisation of science in the state.
As part of the honour, Behura was presented with a cash prize of Rs 1 lakh, a memento, and a certificate.
“The initiative to honour scientists for their contributions to popularisation of science will really inspire young scientists to perform better,” Behura said after receiving the award.
An e-book, UNESCO Kalinga Laureates for Universal Peace, published by the trust was also released on the occasion.
