Future of Odia language, race bright: Naveen

Bhubaneswar: “The future of Odia language and race is bright,” said Chief Minister Naveen Patnaik at the inaugural ceremony of the First World Odia Language Conference here today.

Gracing the programme at Janata Maidan in Bhubaneswar, he said that the historic moment of Odia language began with the First World Odia Language Conference.

“We are Odia and Odia is our language and identity. The key formula of development of the race is the language,” Patnaik said.

Addressing the distinguished guests and attendees, he said, “Odia is a classical language. New words are getting added to it. There should be a discussion on the creation of a ‘good’ piece of literature, and the extensive usage of Odia language in science and technology. We should know the history of our language, see the present, and create paths for the future.”

For the development of Odia language, the State Government has set up Odia University, he stressed.

He urged all to work together for development of Odia language and assured that any proposal in this regard will be approved by the government.

On the occasion, the CM felicitated veteran littérateur Padma Shri Dr. Devi Prasanna Patnaik with the Lifetime Achievement Award. Jnanpith Awardees Padma Bibhushan Dr Sitakanta Mohapatra and Padma Bhushan Dr Pratibha Ray were also felicitated at the event.

The 3-day First World Odia Language Conference kickstarted with the song ‘Bande Utkal Janani’.  Noted researcher Arlo Griffiths, the Professor of Southeast Asian History and Head of EFEO’s Jakarta Centre, French School of Asian Studies, was also present at the programme. The conference will conclude on February 5.