Joining a get-together here, professors, writers, experts of Odia languages brainstormed on development of Odisha’s own tongue.
Expressing great concern over a lethargic attitude of the State Government due to non-implementation of rule making use of Odia mandatory in official works, the elites demanded to pay heed to it. In-case of non-fulfillment of their demand, they decided to organise convocations as pressure tactic on the Government.
“Despite classical status given to it, Odia has not been given importance either in study curriculum or official works of Government. It is shameful that Odia people are not interested to send their boys and girls to Odia education as they find no future. No student is available to keep Odia paper in colleges and higher studies,” said former Director of Odia Bhasha Pratistan Dr Haraprasad Mishra.
Mishra urged that unless Odia is made compulsory in study and official works, its condition would not change.
According to Prof Kartik Chandra Dash, the former principal of Surajmahal Saha College, Puri, the Odia language is speedily disappearing from remote belts of State due to spread of English medium schools.
“Odia subject is not given importance in English medium schools.
Even after classical status given to it, no heartily attempt has been made how to grow Odia, which is tragic,” said Dash, who demanded action against shop and business establishments for not writing names in the language. Even officials violating order must be taken into task, said Dash.