Language

Language is the best identity and unifying factor for a race. No society can progress without promoting its language.

Transformational initiatives in Odisha have brought visible changes in every sector of the state. Efforts are needed to promote the Odia language and culture and expand its scope beyond Odisha. A Special Centre will create favourable conditions for the promotion of Odia language, literature, and culture.

In Odisha, Biju Babu single-handedly raised the glory of the state to the global level. Chief Minister Naveen Patnaik is promoting the Odia language and culture, developing a pan-Indian identity for them.

The Biju Patnaik Special Centre for Odia Studies will start a master's program for Odia Studies, study Biju Patnaik's leadership and governance, and explore Jagannath culture, as well as pursue manuscriptology of ancient Odia literature.

Odisha will come up with a special language policy aimed at promoting the Odia language in the future. The first-ever ‘World Odia Language Conference’ is organized. Odia is our language and identity. The language is a unifying factor for a race. Odia is a classical language with a rich history. It can be enriched further with the addition of new words. Culture and technology have their influences on language.

There should be a discussion on good Odia literature and its usage. We must know the history of our great language, reflect on the present condition of the language, and lay the foundation for the future.

Stating that for the propagation of the Odia language, an Odia University has been established, he called upon people to work together for the development of the Odia language. The government will accept recommendations emerging from the conference and come up with a special language policy. I am confident that the future of the Odia language and race would get strengthened.

Over 100 scholars, including linguists from four countries, are participating in the three-day-long conference, which is expected to give direction for the growth of the language.

Mr Patnaik conferred linguist Devi Prasanna Patnaik with the first World Odia Language Award for his lifelong dedication to the development of Odia. He was given a certificate and ₹20 lakhs. On this occasion, the Chief Minister felicitated two Odia Jnanpith awardees winners Padma Vibhushan Sitakanth Mahapatra and Padma Bhushan Pratibha Roy.

To mark the occasion, people across the state sang ‘Bande Utkal Janani’ in one voice on the occasion of the first World Odia Language Conference 2024. The State government organized storytelling sessions and cultural programs to celebrate the importance of Odia.