BJD Rajya Sabha member Baisnab Parida on Sunday urged mediapersons to ask questions to non-Odia speaking Chief Minister Naveen Patnaik in Odia language instead English and Hindi.
Parida, who is the convenor of the Bhasa Suraksha Sammilani, a forum that fights for wide use of Odia language, told reporters here that the State Government without any further delay must implement the Odia Official language Act-1954 for promotion of this language of classical status.
“As the CM prefers to communicate in English and Hindi, the journalists of Odisha also ask him questions mostly in the Queen’s language. Why don’t they ask questions to the CM in OdiaIJ The journalists must ask him queries in the regional language. If he is unable to answer, he should either take the help of a translator or learn the language himself,” said Parida.
He informed that nearly 5,000 people from different walks of life would hold a demonstration in front of the State Assembly during its coming session to press the demand for making Odia the State’s official language.
He also urged people to make the one-lakh-postcard (letter) drive in support of use of Odia language a success.“Since April 19, we have started a campaign in which nearly one lakh postcards will be sent to the Chief Minister urging him to take measures in making Odia the official language. Hence, we urge people and civil society organisations to write letters to the CM which will ultimately put pressure on him to take a positive decision on our demand,” said Parida.
Intellectual Dr Bhagwan Prakash was present at the Press conference.