Chief Minister Naveen Patnaik on Tuesday laid foundation -stone for the proposed Odia University at Bakula Bana in Sakhigopal under Satyabadi block of Puri district.
The university would help promote and propagate Odia language across the country. It would offer PG courses in Odia language and literature as well as facilitate research on different aspects of the language.
It may be mentioned that Panchasakha (five friends) Gopabandhu Das, Krupasindhu Mishra, Harihar Das, Godavarish Mishra and Nilakantha Das had set up a Bakula Bana Vidyalaya, the first model open school of the State, at Sakhigopal in 1909. Now after around 109 years, the State Government is going to set up the Odia University in the same place.
Earlier in the day, the CM offered floral tribute to the Panchasakha and planted saplings at Bakula Bana. Water and soil were brought from 30 districts of the State for the plantation programme.
Elaborate security arrangements were made in the area for the CM’s visit. As any as 91 officers and 18 platoons of police force were deployed in the area to avoid any untoward incident.
Among others, Panchayati Raj Minister Pradeep Maharathy, Revenue Minister Maheswar Mohanty, Higher Education Ananta Das and Puri MP Pinaki Misra were present at the event.
