Another Sachhin

Recipient of the First Labanyabatee Pratibha Puraskara – 2025

About my translated book

Although my mother tongue is Odia, I could not read Odia since my Papa and Mummy were living outside Odisha. However, I could speak Odia well. After my tenth exam, I stayed for a month with my Ajaa and Aai (grandparents), and with their encouragement I learnt to read and write Odia. From then on, I developed a deep desire to read Odia books.

My Kunu Nani (my mother’s elder sister) reads many Odia books. When I asked her, she suggested me to read Anya Eka Sachhin. Its author is Shri Pramod Kumar Jena, whom I had the opportunity to meet once before my Brataghara (sacred thread ceremony). So, when I saw his photo on the cover page of the book, my eagerness to read it grew even stronger—because until then, I had never seen any author in person.

As I continued reading the book, I was completely absorbed in it. Sachhin’s interest in cricket, his struggles, and finally the ending of the story touched my heart deeply. Inspired by my Kunu Nani, I felt the urge to translate it into English. That is how my vacation turned into such a beautiful and meaningful time.

I am grateful to Smt. Ranjubala Jena, proprietor of Labanyabatee Prakashani, for taking the responsibility of publishing my book. With this, I humbly seek your good wishes and blessings.

Aahwanit Satapathy