The Intellects, a Delhi-based forum of Odia intellectuals, on Saturday submitted a memorandum, addressed to CM Naveen Patnaik, to Odisha Nivas Chief Commissioner in New Delhi demanding use of Odia as official language of the State.
A team of the organisation discussed with Odisha Nivas Commissioner Bipin Saxena and Additional Commissioner Tribikram Pradhan on how people of the State would benefit if Odia language is promoted and used immensely. This coincides with the fast-on-to-death agitation now being staged by Odia Bhasha Sangram Samiti activist Gajanan Mishra.
Expressing his views, advisor of Intellect and Election Commission of India’s Senior Advisor Dr Bhagavan Prakash said the State Government should take immediate steps to implement the Odisha Bhasha Act-1954 and announce Odia as official language, and thereby let Mishra end his fast-on-to-death stir.
Intellect chairman Debendra Rout opined that use of Odia would immensely help the State grow economically. Among others, Debaraj Mohanty, Bhaktabandhu Nayak, Satyabrata Samal and Sahasranshu Mohapatra were in the team.