In an effort to promote Odia language and culture among non-resident Odias (NROs) in Delhi, Palli Bani Mission organised the 2nd National Odia Convention in the national Capital on Sunday.
A special discourse on “Significance of Celebrating Odia language Day” was held on the occasion.
“We must observe Odia Bhasha Diwas on a particular day every year. I urge the State Government to declare one particular day as Bhasa Diwas so that we can save the identity of our language and culture in the era of globalisation,” said Palli Bani Mission chairman Ram Chandra Nath.
Among others, MPs Baishnab Charan Parida, Prasanna Kumar Pattsani and former MP (Rajya Sabha) Rama Chandra Khuntia reflected on the lackadaisical approach towards Odia mother tongue.
Khuntia said that due to sincere effort of several MPs and consistent campaign, Odia language was accorded “Shastriya Bhasha” status by the Parliament.
He also said that due to lack of interest of the State Government and parochial attitude of several Odia writers and intelligentsia, Odia language had suffered a lot.
Eminent Odia personalities, Director Finance, ITDC Trinatha Behera and litterateur Nagendranatha Mohanty were felicitated by Pallishree Samman. Union Petroleum Minister Dharmendra Pradhan inaugurated the event by lighting lamp. A poetic album “Rutu Chakra” by Kulamani Biswal was released.