Abika Calender model contest held in Bhubaneswar, Pragati Priyadarshini becomes Face of the Year

Bhubaneswar: Pragati Priyadarshini has been selected as the ‘Face of the Year 2021’ in the calendar model competition organized by ‘Abika’ to encourage traditional handloom and weavers in Odisha.

Renowned Ollywood actress Varsha Priyadarshini honoured the winner with a Khanduapata at the Grand Finale ceremony held at the local Wisdom-Tree Global School auditorium here.

In addition, 12 people were honoured as ‘Face of the Month’. They are Ananya Das, Arpita Satapathy, Bidisha Priyadarshini, Debjyoti Biswal, Debashis Das, Firdoshi Tabasum, Sasmita Panda, Smaranika Hota, Smruti Ranjan Swain, Sristi Das, Suvendu Lenka and Sujit Kumar Das. The top 24 contestants were also given certificates.

Actress Varsha Priyadarshini, writer Saroj Bal, vocalist Sushmita Das, educator Panchami Manu Ukil‍ and Sambalpuri weaver Laxminarayan Meher, who were the final judges, were present as guests at the event to support the modernization of Odisha handlooms. A documentary was presented on behalf of Wisdom-Tree Global School, which was awarded for using Odisha Handloom as a school uniform. A commemorative photo of the winners, made by Abika, was also unveiled at the ceremony.

Abinash Sahu, Director of Abika, gave a welcome address and informed that a photo shoot of the winners will be done soon. Saroj Bal officiated while Harprasad Mohapatra thanked the audience. Rashmita, Ajit, Soumya, Balaram contributed to the main event.