Odisha Sun Times Bureau
Bhubaneswar, Feb 22:

Noted Odia writer Monalisa Jena has been nominated for the Kendra Sahitya Akademi award 2016.

Monalisa will be awarded for translation of an Assamese book authored by Arun Sharma into 'Ashirbadara Ranga' in Odia.

Following nomination to get the prestigious ward, she said, "I feel honoured to have been selected for the Central Sahitya Akademi award. I will continue translating books in future".

Earlier, the eminent writer had won the Odisha Sahitya Akademi award in 2007 for an Assamese translation into ‘Astaraga’ in Odia.

She has translated several books from Odia to English and English to Odia language.

Born on December 10, 1963 in Khurda, Monalisa had completed MBA from IGNOU after her graduation in Economics in Ravenshaw College.

Besides, she has received senior fellowship from Union Culture Ministry for research in language and literature.

Monalisa, who served as the lecturer in Economics and worked as the journalist, has authored over 15 books. 'Ye Sabu Dhruba Muhurta', 'Nisarga Dhwani' and 'Indra Malatira Shoka' are among the books for which she has been acclaimed.