State Youth Welfare Board Executive Chairperson Bijay Nayak termed the State Cabinet’s decision of according State Anthem status to the “Bande Utkala Janani” as historic and expressed his gratitude to Chief Minister Naveen Patnaik for it.
“Responding to CM Naveen Patanik’ call, Odias residing all over the world sang ‘Bande Utkala Janani” in unison showing solidarity towards Covid warriors. By according State Anthem status to the song, the Chief Minister has further strengthened the emotional bonding of Odia people. It is a fresh attempt of the State Government’s commitment to promote and strengthen Odia language, literature, cultural traditions and heritages of the State,” said Nayak in a statement.