TNI Bureau: Harshita Priyadarshini Mohanty, a Class 10 student from Jeypore, was conferred the prestigious Manish Memorial ‘Nirbhaya’ Youth Award 2026 for her remarkable contribution to promoting indigenous seeds in Koraput district.
The award ceremony, organised by Nirbhaya Daily, was held at Mayfair Convention Hall on Monday. Harshita was recognised for her sustained efforts over the past three years in creating awareness about traditional farming practices through her initiative, Project Harshita, particularly among tribal women and students. She received a trophy, citation, shawl, and a cash prize of ₹25,000.
Addressing the gathering as the chief guest, Prof. Kumud Sharma, Vice-President of the Sahitya Akademi and Vice-Chancellor of Mahatma Gandhi International Hindi University, expressed concern over the growing influence of social media on youth. She cautioned that the idea of “freedom” among young people is increasingly turning into unchecked individualism, driven by trends and digital culture.
Prof. Sharma highlighted that social media addiction poses a greater threat than substances like alcohol and cigarettes, urging youth to remain mindful and responsible. She also stressed the importance of preserving India’s diverse linguistic and cultural identity in the face of global homogenisation.
Guest of Honour Wing Commander Debidatta Panda noted that today’s youth face multiple challenges, including limited access to outdoor spaces and increasing dependence on mobile devices. He underlined the importance of physical activity, curiosity, and independent thinking for holistic development.
The event also featured a panel discussion on “AI, Tradition and Youth in Odisha,” with eminent speakers sharing their perspectives.
The ceremony was presided over by Nirbhaya Editor Navin Das and coordinated by Associate Editor Sambit Mohapatra.
