Chief Justice of Jharkhand High Court addressing the Utkal Diwas celebration at the Utkal Association in Sakchi spoke in length on the richness of Odiya language.

He spoke  about how did the Odisha province in British India came into being on April 1 in 1936 and eventually became a vibrant state post-Independence.

“ I am of the opinion that April 1 should also be celebrated as the day of Consolidation as this was the day in 1948 when 26 Princely estates had merged to form what is Odisha state today,” Justice Mishra.

Justice Mishra stressed upon the richness of the classical Odiya language while marking the significance of Utkal Diwas.

While addressing the gathering, the chief justice, referred to some touching examples of socio-legal cases that he had dealt with when he was a judge in a district court in Odisha, leading the audience to applaud by clapping their hands.

 Mishra accompanied by his wife visited the Jagannath temple on the premises of the Utkal Association.

Besides several dignitaries like trade union leader Rajeshwar Pandey, advocate Manoranjan Dash, Rajesh Shukla attended the function which was followed by a cultural program.

During the occasion, Dr Shridhar Pradhan, president, Utkal Association in his speech spoke briefly about the achievement made by the association and said informed that a good number of students enrollment will be made this year in the upcoming Utkal Association English School and also about the near completion of compound wall work of the Jagannath temple construction project along the Marine Drive.

During the occasion, chief justice Mishra and justice Chowdhury were presented with mementos by industrialist Shuvendu Behera and advocate Manoranjan Dash respectively.

There is good numbers of Odiya speaking people in the State and they must get representation," said an official.

He stressed upon the contribution of Odiya community in the progress of the State and said that steps need to be taken for proper representation from the community. He lauded the work being done by Utkal Association.

Based on Odiya culture and music various dance programmes were presented on the occasion. What was most enjoyable on the evening of Utkal Divas was the magnificent lighting of association's buildings in the city.

It may be mentioned that founded in 1934, Utkal Assocation runs several educational and cultural institutions for the promotion of language, art and culture.